Russian “pick-up artist” case: Online content is traceable, but Ghana needs stronger digital rights awareness – Cybersecurity expert

A member of the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Ghana says widely shared online content can still be traced and preserved for investigations, despite attempts to hide behind tools like VPNs.

Abubakari Saddiq explained on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (16 February) that digital footprints rarely disappear completely.

“Even with VPNs, there are always technical and legal pathways to trace activity. Nothing online is truly invisible,” he said.

He noted that law enforcement agencies can collaborate with platform providers to obtain evidence when backed by strong legal processes.

However, Saddiq said the case highlights deeper gaps in public understanding of digital rights and consent.

Literacy gap

While people may legally record in public spaces, he warned that monetising or distributing someone’s image without consent crosses legal and ethical lines.

A Russian man named Yaytseslav, is accused of illegally recording his sexual encounters with several Ghanaian women and sharing footage online without their consent.

“Your image and identity are your property. Someone cannot simply post it online and make money from it,” he said.

He observed that public reactions on social media revealed widespread confusion about what constitutes consent and lawful use of digital content.

“We need more digital rights literacy, not just cybersecurity awareness,” he argued.

Saddiq called for year-round education campaigns and regular updates to laws such as the Data Protection Act, 2012 to keep pace with evolving threats, while balancing enforcement with freedom of expression.

“We must strengthen protections without undermining rights,” he added.