The Parliament has passed amendments to the Penal Code, classifying cyber crimes as criminal offenses. The bill was unanimously approved by all 58 parliamentarians who participated in the vote.
The bill was submitted to the parliament Maafushi MP Hussain Riza Adam, with the first reading taking place on 3 July.
The amendment introduces three articles to the Penal Code, with Article 240 dedicated to computer-related crimes.
Under the amendments, unauthorized access to computer systems, the interception of computer data, as well as interference and misuse of devices are classified as offenses. Acts of cyber violence, computer-related forgery, fraud, and infringement of copyright and other related rights are also listed as crimes.
However, unauthorized access to a computer system via a court order or any other permit issued by law is listed as an exemption, and will not be criminally liable.
Cyber-violence acts defined in the amendment are:
- Publishing child pornography through a computer system
- The production of child pornography through a computer system
- Possession of child pornography on a computer system or a computer data storage medium
- Circulating child pornography with the intent to cause harm
- Acts of threatening behavior
- Cyber-stalking
In addition to the amendments to the Penal Code, two bills on amending the Criminal Procedure Law, and another bill on amending the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act were also approved. All three bills were passed with 58 votes in favour.
The amendments will come into effect once they are ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.