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Kiribati Government Moves to Boost Cybersecurity Efforts
The Kiribati Government has taken significant steps to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities by introducing new legislation aimed at combating cybercrime and promoting international cooperation.
New Legislation Enhances Cybersecurity Capabilities
Under the new law, police officers will be granted powers to collect and record traffic data in real-time associated with specified communications transmitted through computer systems within Kiribati. Additionally, authorities will be able to compel service providers to assist in investigations by collecting or recording content data.
Procedural Safeguards Ensured
The legislation also provides for the interception of content data if a court is satisfied that it is required for the purposes of a criminal investigation. Courts may issue warrants authorizing police officers to collect or record content data, and to compel service providers or individuals to cooperate with authorities.
To ensure compliance with human rights obligations and international conventions, the law includes provisions for procedural safeguards and conditions for the protection of individual rights.
International Cooperation Enhanced
The Government has also strengthened its international cooperation efforts by introducing new provisions allowing for mutual assistance in criminal matters. The Attorney-General will be empowered to request assistance from foreign governments or agencies in investigations related to serious offenses.
Data Preservation Provisions
Furthermore, the legislation provides for the expeditious preservation of computer data located within Kiribati or under the control of the Government. Foreign governments, agencies, or international organizations may make requests to preserve data pending the submission of a request for mutual assistance.
Service Providers Required to Disclose Information
The law also requires service providers to disclose information about the transmission of specified communications if requested by authorities during an investigation.
Strengthening Cybersecurity Capabilities
The new legislation is expected to enhance Kiribati’s cybersecurity capabilities and enable authorities to better combat cybercrime. The move follows a growing concern over the increasing threat of cyberattacks in the Pacific region.
“This law demonstrates our commitment to protecting our citizens from the threats posed by cybercrime,” said [Name], Attorney-General of Kiribati. “We are working closely with international partners to strengthen our cybersecurity capabilities and ensure that we can effectively investigate and prosecute cyber-related offenses.”
Key Provisions
- Police officers will be granted powers to collect and record traffic data in real-time associated with specified communications transmitted through computer systems within Kiribati.
- Authorities will be able to compel service providers to assist in investigations by collecting or recording content data.
- Courts may issue warrants authorizing police officers to collect or record content data, and to compel service providers or individuals to cooperate with authorities.
- Procedural safeguards will be put in place to ensure compliance with human rights obligations and international conventions.
- The Attorney-General will be empowered to request assistance from foreign governments or agencies in investigations related to serious offenses.
- Foreign governments, agencies, or international organizations may make requests to preserve computer data located within Kiribati or under the control of the Government.
- Service providers will be required to disclose information about the transmission of specified communications if requested by authorities during an investigation.
The legislation is expected to come into effect in the coming months following a period of public consultation and parliamentary approval.