Financial Crime World

Moldova Grapples with Compliance Challenges in Digital Age

Embracing Digital Transformation and Safeguarding Against Cyber Threats

As Moldova continues its push towards embracing digital transformation, securing investments and safeguarding against cyber threats has become a top priority. To address these concerns, the country has established significant legal and institutional frameworks aimed at bolstering its digital economy.

Key Initiatives

Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for Digitalization

In August 2021, Moldova made history by setting up a governmental bureau for digital transformation - the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for Digitalization. This move underscored the nation’s commitment to integrating digital technologies across public sectors, enhancing the efficiency of public services, and securing the digital infrastructure against emerging cyber threats.

Key Agencies

E-Government Agency and IT and Cybersecurity Service (STISC)

The Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization is responsible for synchronizing sectoral policies and strategies related to the government’s technological modernization program. Key agencies under its supervision include the E-Government Agency and the IT and Cybersecurity Service (STISC), which play crucial roles in digital public services, cybersecurity, and the maintenance and development of the IT and communications infrastructure of public administration authorities.

Public Services Agency and Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development

To ensure access to key state registers for electronic services, Moldova has focused on making them available online. The Public Services Agency manages the State Population Register, while the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development oversees the national communication infrastructure, ensuring increased accessibility to high-speed internet and digital communication services.

National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI)

At the regulatory helm is the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI), established in 2000. ANRCETI’s mandate includes regulating and monitoring sector compliance with relevant laws and regulations, managing relationships between operators, and facilitating access to infrastructure.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these advancements, Moldova faces significant challenges, including systemic deficiencies in cybersecurity. The country is vulnerable to cyber threats such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, phishing, brute force attacks, and official website hijacking. To combat these threats, the nation emphasizes the need for legislative improvement, employee training, and the development of internal security systems and procedures.

Current Regulations

Moldova has established a robust legal framework aimed at protecting personal data, ensuring privacy, and securing the digital space against cyber threats. Key regulations include:

  • Law No. 271 of 2013 on Data Protection
  • Law No. 229 of 2013 on Personal Data Protection Strategy
  • Law No. 133 of 2011 on Personal Data Protection
  • Law No. 208 of 2011 (amended by Law No. 222/619) on Personal Data Protection

Expert Guidance

At GRATA Moldova, we are dedicated to safeguarding your investments in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of Moldova. Our team is committed to providing expert services designed to navigate the complexities of protecting digital assets in this new era. Please note that this article is intended solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice.

For tailored advice on navigating the intricacies of Moldova’s immigration and employment laws, we invite you to reach out to GRATA Moldova at email protected or via phone at +373 22 22 40 11.