PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES: THE CYBERCRIME ACT 2015 AND ITS IMPACT ON JOURNALISM IN RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of journalists in Rivers State regarding the provisions of the Cybercrime Act 2015 and to assess the impact of the Act on their journalistic practices. The problem motivating this study lies in the growing concerns over journalists’ limited engagement with the Act, amid rising incidences of cybercrime and the urgent need for media actors to play a proactive role in public sensitization and enforcement monitoring. Despite the crucial role of the press in shaping digital awareness, evidence suggests that journalists may lack sufficient understanding, confidence, and institutional backing to effectively interpret and report on cybercrime-related issues. The objectives of the study were to: assess the level of awareness of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 among journalists in Rivers State; examine journalists’ perceptions of the Act’s effectiveness; determine the impact of the Act on journalistic practices; explore the approaches adopted by journalists in promoting the Act, and identify the challenges faced in reporting cybercrime-related issues. Anchored on the social responsibility theory, the study adopted a mixed research method. The population comprised 500 registered journalists from print, television and radio stations in Rivers State, and the census method was used to select the entire population due to its manageable size. Both primary and secondary data were utilized through the instrumentality of questionnaire and interview guide, and the research instruments underwent face and content validity checks by experts. Test-retest method was adopted to ensure reliability. Simple percentage analysis was employed for the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative responses. The study found that The study found that journalists in Rivers State generally perceive the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 as ineffective, ambiguous, overly complex, and susceptible to misuse. The study recommends that the National Assembly should consider a stakeholder review of the Act involving journalists, legal experts, digital rights groups, and cybersecurity professionals. This participatory reform process will help clarify vague provisions, ensure press freedom safeguards, and enhance enforceability. The study concludes that despite the strategic role of journalists in promoting digital safety and legal compliance, their effectiveness is undermined by inadequate legal literacy and training.