South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Wednesday signed a new cybercrime law aimed at tackling online offenses and curbing harmful content on social media, including hate speech.
The Cyber Crimes and Computer Abuse Act 2026 criminalizes activities such as unauthorized data transmission, hacking, espionage, cyberterrorism, economic sabotage, the creation of fake websites and social media accounts, publication of false information, online impersonation, and gender-based harassment.
Information Minister Ateny Wek told journalists Thursday in Juba that the law is now in effect. He said it updates South Sudan’s legal framework to reflect the realities of the digital age, as internet connectivity, digital services, and electronic governance expand across the country.
“The act provides a comprehensive legal basis for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of offenses related to computer systems and cyber activities,” Ateny said.
He added that previous laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act of 2008 and the National Security Act 2015, addressed cyber-related crimes only partially, leaving gaps that the new legislation fills.
The minister said the law also strengthens institutional capacity and enables South Sudan to cooperate with regional and international partners, noting that cyber threats cross national borders.
Journalists raised concerns that the law could be misused to target journalists, civil society activists and government critics, as social media has become a key platform for political debate and scrutiny of public officials. Ateny rejected the claims, saying the law is not intended to punish citizens for constructive criticism or highlighting problems with public services.
“There is no problem with anyone talking about the lack of services or why people are hungry,” he said. “But abuse, personal insults, and attacks on human dignity will be addressed.”
Ateny said public officials are entitled to legal protection from harassment and defamation, emphasizing that the law regulates misuse of cyberspace rather than restrict legitimate expression.
Regarding provisions that allow interception and monitoring of electronic communications without a court warrant, Ateng said such powers are standard practice when national security is at risk and are not unique to South Sudan.
When asked about claims that some government officials recruit people to harass others on social media, Ateny denied that the government pays individuals to insult others in defense of the administration.
He said the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law. The Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services will coordinate with the National Communications Authority, law enforcement, and the justice ministry to implement it, including through public awareness campaigns.
Ateny urged the media to educate the public about the new cybercrime law, warning that ignorance of the law would not exempt offenders from prosecution. However, the full text of the law was not immediately made available to the journalists.