Online Publishers Association of Ghana (OPAG) is warning its members and Ghanaians in general against publication and sharing of what has become the Russian Sex videos as its a criminal offence.
The Cyber Security Act, 2020 (Act 1038) targets the use of posts, emails, text or any other electronic means. The law further states that non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images is a criminal offence and a clear violation of dignity and privacy.
A viral video of a Russian, luring some Ghanaian females into his hotel room and ‘sexcording’ them made headlines over the weekend triggering conversations around our cyber laws and the urgent need for protection of dignity of victims.
OPAG wishes to draw the attention of its members and general public alike that the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) Act still remains in force and is therefore important to adhere to it to avoid falling foul of the law.
As online publishers, we must always bear in mind that ethics can not be sacrificed for speed as ethics remains the overarching rudiments of our profession.
As Journalists in the online space, we must reckon that “ethics, as echoed by Joseph Pulitzer is as sacrosanct as the news itself” hence publishing images/videos of females can cause psychological trauma to the victims and their families.
It is in light of this that OPAG urges all members to cease the publication or sharing of the videos as a way of protecting the dignity of the victims.
As an Association that prioritizes sanity in the online space and supports the work of CSA, OPAG remains committed to raising awareness in ensuring a safe online space devoid of misinformation, disinformation and cyber crime.
Whilst we commend government for its efforts at extraditing the Russian to face the laws of Ghana, OPAG wishes to express its commitment to partner all relevant agencies in combating cyber bulley, sextortion, misinformation and disinformation.
SIGNED:
Michael Petit Mawugbe
(Efo Mawugbe )
President
0244883575
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