Authorities Must Ensure Timely Deletion of Illegal Content
New Laws to Combat Online Crimes in Nauru
Nauru has recently empowered its authorities with new laws to delete illegal content as soon as it is no longer legally required. The Electronic Crimes Act, outlined in Part 2, aims to prevent the spread of harmful and offensive material on electronic systems.
Offenses and Penalties
- Intentionally disseminating indecent or obscene information or materials via electronic means can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of $30,000.
- Identity-related crimes, including the intentional transfer, possession, or use of someone else’s identification with the intent to commit an unlawful activity, are criminalized and punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years.
- Spamming, where individuals intentionally initiate the transmission of multiple electronic messages with the intention of deceiving or misleading users, is also a punishable offense, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Search and Seizure Powers
The authorities have been granted powers to search and seize electronic devices and data, including electronic data storage mediums, in order to gather evidence in criminal investigations. Under Part 3 of the Act, judges, magistrates, and registrars may issue warrants authorizing police officers to enter premises and conduct searches and seizures.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Failure to permit assistance during investigations can result in serious legal consequences.
- Sending or publishing information or materials that may be classified as politically subversive, defamatory, or seditious is also a punishable offense.
Call to Action
The government has emphasized the importance of individuals respecting the law and refraining from engaging in illegal activities online. Those who possess indecent or obscene information or materials, such as child pornography, are urged to delete them as soon as they are no longer legally required. Failure to do so can result in serious legal consequences.
Source
Nauru Government Press Release