Neighbours stealing Wi-Fi 

My neighbours have been using my Wi-Fi without permission, and now my internet is slow because they are streaming movies all day. Can I take legal action?
JM, Dar es Salaam

Neighbours can be challenging at times. You have not informed us whether you secured your Wi-Fi with a password to prevent unauthorised access. However, if you have done so, the answer to your question is yes, you can! Under the Cybercrime Act, Act No. 14 of 2015, the unauthorised use of someone’s internet connection is regarded as illegal access to a computer system.

Section 3 of the Act defines a computer system as a device or combination of devices, including network, input, and output devices that can be used in conjunction with external files containing computer programmes, electronic instructions, input data, and output data that perform logic, arithmetic data storage and retrieval, communication control, and other functions. This implies that a Wi-Fi network is also considered a computer system. According to sections 4(1) and (2) of the Act, a person shall not intentionally and unlawfully access or cause a computer system to be accessed. A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of not less than TZS 3M or 3 times the value of the undue advantage received, whichever is greater, or to imprisonment for a term of not less than 1 year, or to both.

You can report the matter to the Cybercrime Unit of the police, who may take action against your neighbours. In the meantime, consider securing your Wi-Fi with a strong password to prevent further misuse. Remember, sharing is caring, but only with permission! Consult your lawyer for additional guidance.