Equatorial Guinea Moves Closer to Passing Comprehensive Cybersecurity Law

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea - A Significant Step Towards Safer Digital Landscape

The parliament of Equatorial Guinea has taken a crucial step towards passing a comprehensive cybersecurity law after accepting key articles defining computer crimes and penalties for those who commit them. This move comes at a critical time for the country’s digital landscape, with experts warning that stronger measures are needed to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.

Key Articles Approved by Parliament

During recent sessions, the legislative panel reviewing the draft law, moderated by Chamber of Deputies President Gaudencio Mohaba Messu, approved key articles defining computer-related crimes and penalties. The proposed legislation governs the use of social media and includes measures to combat cybercrime in the country.

Computer-Related Crimes Defined

Under the draft law, computer-related crimes are broadly defined as those involving:

• Unauthorized access to computer systems, programs or data
• Illegal interception of communication
• Computer fraud, including espionage to obtain sensitive personal data or confidential public information without authorization

Additional Offenses Covered Under Cybercrime Section

The government statement also highlighted that the cybercrime section covers a range of other offenses, including:

• Impersonating or taking over another person’s computer identity
• Unauthorized disclosure of information stored on a computer or device
• Unlawful use of personal data and transfer of classified public information

Growing Threats in African Digital Landscape

Industry experts have warned that as the African digital landscape grows, so too do the threats. Kaspersky has cautioned that the increasing adoption of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and escalating geopolitical tensions in Africa and beyond are driving up the complexity and diversity of cyber threats.

A Critical Time for Equatorial Guinea’s Digital Landscape

The move to pass a comprehensive cybersecurity law in Equatorial Guinea comes at a critical time, with experts warning that stronger measures are needed to protect against increasingly sophisticated attacks.