Kenyan Government Impose Heavy Penalties On Journalist Carrying Fake News


The Uhuru Kenyatta-led Kenyan government has passed a bill into law that introduce strict penalties for any journalist or media brand spreading fake news in the country.
According to BBC, the new law proposes a fine of $50,000 and/or up to two years in prison for publishing “false” information. The bill titled, The Computer Misuse and Cyber-crimes law, also punish abuse on social media and all forms of cyber bullying.

Reacting to the “fake news” laws, several media brands have claimed that the bill was created to silence independent media stations.
Kenya’s top Journalists committee urged President Kenyatta to send back the bill to parliament to remove clauses that violated press freedom and freedom of expression.
The group said that parts of the law criminalized unauthorized access and sharing of government data which would remove protection for whistle-blowers.

Photo Credit: Getty

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