HGP Nightly News – President Dr. Irfaan Ali is urging persons who believe they have been defamed or wrongly accused on social media to seek redress through the courts.
He made the call on Tuesday during a press conference at the Office of the President. Ali said the level of irresponsibility online has become a serious concern.
“My advice to every single person is to utilise the courts when wrongful allegations are made against you,” he said. The President said legal action allows the facts to be tested and established.
He also urged Guyanese to rely on credible sources when confronted with misinformation. Ali said government is reviewing existing laws to strengthen how irresponsible social media use is addressed.
He also called for more responsible online behaviour. “There’s a view that there are no rules when it comes to social media and you can post whatever you want,” he said.
Ali recently instructed the Attorney General’s Chambers to review penalties for AI-generated content. Government is also planning a public awareness campaign to help people identify manipulated material.
The Cybercrime Act already provides penalties for certain forms of online harassment, threats and reputational harm.
Ali said further legal changes are being considered as part of a wider effort to bring greater accountability to the online space.
