Today, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube and others allow people to share information, advertise, teach, and entertain. While social media is very useful, some misuse it in ways that break the law, leading to criminal acts.
In Rwanda, laws punish crimes that can be committed through social media. Messages and actions on these platforms are considered public, and therefore subject to legal consequences.
Publishing False Information
Crimes include those defined in Law No. 60/2018 of August 22, 2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrime:
Publishing false information: Article 39 defines this as using computers or networks to spread false information that may cause fear, unrest, or violence, or damage someone’s reputation. Penalty: 3–5 years imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000–3,000,000 Rwandan francs.
Identity Theft and Impersonation
Identity theft: Article 40 punishes those who create fake accounts or impersonate institutions, celebrities, or government bodies to defraud people. Same penalties as above.
Publishing obscene content: Article 38 criminalizes sharing photos, videos, audio, or written messages of obscene acts via social media. Penalty: 6 months–2 years imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000–2,000,000 Rwandan francs. If children are involved, penalties rise to 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to 3,000,000 Rwandan francs.
Publishing Sexual Content Online
Publishing sexual content: Article 34 punishes those who share sexual images or recordings via computers or phones, including luring children into sexual acts. Penalty: 3–5 years imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000–3,000,000 Rwandan francs. If child pornography is involved, penalties rise to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of 3,000,000 Rwandan francs.
Harassment Through Technology
Harassment using technology: Article 35 covers sending or spreading obscene messages, images, or threats to disturb someone’s peace. Penalty: 6 months–2 years imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000–2,000,000 Rwandan francs. This crime is prosecuted only if reported by the victim.
Discrimination and Incitement to Division
Discrimination and incitement to division: Articles 163 and 164 of Law No. 68/2018 prohibit discrimination based on ethnicity, origin, family, skin color, gender, region, nationality, religion, political views, language, culture, economic status, disability, or other traits, and incitement to division. Penalty: 5–7 years imprisonment and a fine of 500,000–1,000,000 Rwandan francs.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/rwandan-national-police-marks-graduation-of-two-officers-in-italy/
Genocide Ideology and Related Crimes
Genocide ideology and related crimes: Law No. 59/2018 punishes genocide ideology, denial, minimization, and justification. Some use social media to deny the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, minimize its scale, or glorify perpetrators. Penalty: 5–7 years imprisonment and a fine of 500,000–1,000,000 Rwandan francs.
RIB’s Message to Social Media Users
RIB reminds social media users to be cautious, verify information before sharing, and avoid posting or distributing content that violates others’ rights, spreads hatred, or incites division. Using social media requires respect for the law, human rights, and Rwandan values.
