As the world becomes increasingly digital, it's essential for the judicial system to effectively manage cases involving digital evidence. In Africa, initiatives are underway to adapt to these new realities.

The Seychelles judicial system announced on Tuesday, October 15, a two-day training session at the Palais de Justice in Port Island. Conducted in partnership with the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and the U.S. Secret Service, the initiative aimed to strengthen the skills of Seychellois judges and legal professionals in handling and authenticating digital evidence.

According to a statement from the judicial system, the training emphasized the need to understand how digital information flows, the importance of protecting people's privacy online, and the difficulties of using digital evidence in court cases, especially when the crimes happen across different countries. Topics covered included the evolution of laws in response to digital advancements, the balance between privacy protection and security requirements, and the authentication of digital evidence. Judges were trained to distinguish between legitimate evidence and potentially falsified information, using examples from social media platforms like Facebook and manipulated images.

This initiative comes amid a global trend where the use of digital data is becoming increasingly vital for the administration of justice. The digital era and the emergence of new technologies, such as AI, demand that judicial systems modernize. A survey by Cellebrite, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, revealed that 60% of over 2,000 investigators, prosecutors, managers, and digital forensics experts surveyed believe digital evidence is more critical than DNA. Additionally, 74% of respondents stated that digital data increases the success rate in resolving cases, underscoring the crucial need for specialized training in this area.

As a result, judges in the Seychelles are now better equipped to tackle challenges associated with managing digital evidence. This initiative not only enhances the judiciary's ability to address current challenges but also reinforces its commitment to transparency, security, and fairness in the age of digital transformation.

Samira Njoya