For a long time, Malawi has been grappling with effects of misinformation and cybercrimes which have led to identity theft and defamation. On numerous occasions, police have summoned or arrested some perpetrators of cybercrimes. Our Contributor HOWARD MLOZI speaks to Communication and media expert Jimmy Kainja from the University of Malawi (Unima) on viable strategies to fight cybercrimes and misinformation in Malawi. Excerpts:
Q: Why is it important to stay safe online?
A: It protects your personal information, privacy and digital security from threats such as hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying and scams.
Q: How big is the problem of cybercrime in Malawi?
A: You can check with Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (Macra) as a telecommunications regulator or the Malawi Police Service’s cybercrimes unit.
Q: What tips can help Internet or social media users to stay safe online?
A: The keyword is digital literacy. People have to be aware of the dangers online spaces pose before we can discuss some of the tips.
Nonetheless, use of strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication, avoiding sharing sensitive information on public platforms, verifying websites and emails before clicking on links, keeping software and antivirus programmes updated and educating yourself and others about online risks.
These tips can only be meaningful to people who can understand these issues. It’s not about knowing how to read and write. That’s why victims of such scums are not just illiterate citizens, but everyone. I would introduce digital media literacy in schools if it were up to me.
Q: As a country, how best can we cultivate a strong foundation of Internet and Social Media users who are proactive?
A: As discussed above, it concerns digital media literacy. One way to achieve this is to ensure that people access devices and the Internet. But the more individuals utilise these technologies, the more they understand how they work and how to protect themselves.
We learn through experience which is the best teacher. In this manner, we can rely on new generations that are not as vulnerable as is currently the case.
Unfortunately, the penetration of these technologies remains very low in the country and is restricted to specific demographics such as urban residents.
Q: How best can academic institutions collaborate with society or other institutions to fight cybercrimes?
A: Academic institutions generate knowledge through research in addition to teaching and learning. Other institutions can collaborate with educational institutions to implement evidence-based policies.
For example, regarding the recent issue of Macra procuring a system to monitor misinformation and disinformation online, I think the regulator could have consulted or commissioned a study to figure out the best way to fight misinformation and disinformation. The route taken is costly and has taken without any evidence of whether it will work or not.
Cybercrimes are rooted in economic, social/cultural, political and technological problems, requiring a multi-stakeholder approach to successfully fight it.
