Cybercrime Threats and Trends in Ethiopia: Critical Legal Analysis

Abstract

Computer technology and computer-related issues are a recent phenomenon in world history. This phenomenon is even relatively recent in Ethiopia. Hence, computer-based and computer-generated crimes and the resultant laws and enforcement have never been closely examined particularly in Ethiopia. Accordingly, Ethiopia has recently been tackling computer crimes in proclamations and regulations. It has lately implemented legislative measures in response to the growing availability and adoption of information and communication technologies. On June 7, 2016, Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives legislated the Computer Crime Proclamation. The proclamation addresses several issues, including unauthorized computer access, to combating terrorism and as well as child pornography. To prevent, control, investigate, and prosecute computer crimes and gather electronic evidence, a new set of legal mechanisms and procedures were incorporated into the Proclamation. This paper's primary goal is to investigate the adequacy of legislation and enforcement mechanisms of computer crimes under the Ethiopian legal system in line with regional and international covenants. The analysis's primary focus is on examining the strengths and limitations of the substantive and procedural laws, digital evidence, and evidentiary rules. The paper critically explores the prevailing legal and practical challenges concerning computer crime laws in Ethiopia. Finally, the paper includes important recommendations for improving substantive and procedural aspects of criminal justice about computer crimes in Ethiopia.