Parliament has passed a bill amending the Penal Code to criminalize unauthorized access to computer systems and various forms of cybercrime. The bill was passed with 58 members voting in favor.
Parliament has passed a bill amending the Penal Code to criminalize unauthorized access to computer systems and various forms of cybercrime.
The amendment, originally drafted and submitted last year, was reintroduced by People's National Congress (PNC) MP Hussain Riza on behalf of the government after it remained undecided during the 19th Parliament's final term.
The bill was passed with 58 members voting in favor.
Under the new provisions, the Penal Code now criminalizes:
1. Unauthorized access to a computer system
2. Unauthorized access with intent to facilitate a crime
3. Unauthorized interception of computer data
4. Unauthorized interference with a computer system
5. Misuse of devices
6. Acts of cyber violence
7. Computer-related forgery
8. Computer-related fraudulent acts
9. Infringement of copyright and related rights
Access authorized by a court order or lawful permit is exempt from being considered an offense. Violations of these provisions can lead to imprisonment of over one year.
The amendment comes in response to the increasing prevalence of cybercrime in Maldives due to inadequate action against such acts.
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