The Nigerian government has fully activated a new law for all internet users. The way you use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok is now governed by strict rules. What you post, share, or even record can lead to serious legal trouble, including prison time. The excuse that something was “just a joke” will no longer protect you.
One of the new crimes is snooping on someone’s private devices. If you unlock another person’s phone or laptop without their explicit permission, you are breaking the law. This also includes altering or deleting their digital information, even if you only mean it as a prank. This offense is taken seriously and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
The law now also protects the privacy of conversations. It is illegal to record a private phone call or a conversation happening over voice notes on an app like WhatsApp unless everyone involved knows and agrees to be recorded. If you make a recording in secret, you could face up to two years behind bars.
Spreading false information, often called “fake news,” is now a prosecutable offense. If you share or forward a post that you know is untrue, especially if it is the kind of information that could create public fear or social unrest, you can be held legally responsible. The punishment for spreading such damaging misinformation can be up to two years in prison.
You are now also responsible for what happens in online groups that you manage. If you are an administrator of a WhatsApp group, Facebook page, or Telegram channel, you can be held liable for illegal content posted by the members. If someone shares hate speech or dangerous fake news and you fail to remove it or take action, you could face legal consequences yourself.
The most severe crime under this new law is hate speech. Any comment, post, or video that is seen as an attempt to provoke conflict between different ethnic or religious groups is now classified as an act of domestic terrorism. The government has made it clear that your intent does not matter; even if you claim it was a joke, you can be charged. This offense carries the harshest penalty: life imprisonment.
To stay safe, you must change how you behave online. Always check if information is true before you share it with others. Make it a habit to ask for permission before recording any conversation. If you run an online group, actively monitor it and remove any harmful content. Most importantly, stay completely away from any posts that touch on ethnic or religious division and always treat others with respect online. In this new era, every click and every post matters.
