An amendment to the penal code of Maldives has been submitted to the parliament to criminalise cybercrime and unauthorised access to computers and data.
An amendment has been submitted to the parliament to criminalise cybercrime and unauthorised access to computers and data for a second time.
This amendment, which is to be brought to the penal code, was first drafted by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration and forwarded to 19th parliament last year. However, no decision has been finalised regarding the bill until now.
The same amendment has now been sent to the 20th parliament which took oath earlier this year by ruling party People's National Congress (PNC) member and Maafushi MP Hussain Riza.
1. Unauthorised access to a computer system
2. Unauthorised access to a computer system with the intent to facilitate a crime
3. Unauthorised interception of computer data
4. Unauthorised interference with a computer system
5. Improper use of devices
6. Acts of cyber violence
7. Acts of forgery related to computers
8. Computer related fraud
9. Acts of infringement of copyright and other related rights
Although these acts will be criminalised if the bill comes into effect, doing so under a court order or empowered by a law will not be deemed a crime, the amendment says.
It proposes that those who commit these crimes be imprisoned for up to a year.
While cybercrimes are becoming increasingly common in the Maldives, repetition of such crimes without adequate action is a concern raised by many.
The timing of this amendment being pushed to the parliament for a second time comes as Maldives Police Service investigate a case involving the hacking of a customer focused database of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
Sign In