Social media experts and activists in Angola are worried over the government's approval of a new computer crime law. The law comes after Africa has seen a rise in cyber crime targeting the financial sector, but a number of activists in Angola and elsewhere believe the government is attempting to curtail any opposition that could be fostered online. “It is a direct attempt to target activists who have been using the Internet and other social media outlets in frustration and anger at governments, and in Angola it is no different,” said Angolan Internet blogger and activist Jose Karabala. The new law gives security forces Draconian measures that allow them to search and confiscate data and online material without a court order. More worrisome for Karabala and other activists is that they can receive up to 12 years in jail for a crime using a computer. “This means that it could be something as minor as pissing off the government and we can get thrown in jail. It's not a good precedent to set,” the British-educated activist added. Analysts in Nigeria believe this is exactly what the government is doing, following Uganda's efforts to curb online antagonism toward the regime. They say the laws, although being publicly put forward as an attempt to crackdown on cyber crime, is really aimed at social media activists. The new law was approved as part of a series of legislation targeting and regulating the IT and data sectors. Earlier this year, the government in Angola had managed to quiet anti-government demonstrations that had been called for by activists online in an attempt to oust Edwardo dos Santos, in power for 32 years. BM
