Financial Crime World

Tonga Cracks Down on Cybercrime as Regional Leader

As part of its commitment to combating cybercrime in the Pacific region, Tonga is set to update its legislative framework to reflect best international practices.

Strengthening Laws Against Cybercrime

The move follows a review of the country’s current laws, which have been found wanting in their ability to effectively tackle the growing threat of cyber attacks. Since the Computer Crimes Act was enacted in 2003, only two cybercrime cases have come before the courts.

  • One case involved a man being fined and given a suspended imprisonment sentence for “data prosecution” - adding phone credit to friends and family.
  • Another case involving illegal access to a protected computer was withdrawn by the complainant.

International Partnerships

Tonga is not resting on its laurels. The country has been actively engaging with international partners, including the Council of Europe (CoE), to strengthen its legislative framework and improve its capacity to deal with cybercrime.

  • In 2014, the CoE invited Tonga to accede to the Budapest Convention, a key international treaty aimed at combating cybercrime.
  • Tonga’s commitment to accession by the end of this year or early next has been reaffirmed.

Regional Leadership

Tonga’s efforts to combat cybercrime are also driven by its willingness to champion the issue in the Pacific region. The country has already participated in several regional initiatives, including:

  • OCTOPUS 2011 conference
  • GLACY Project

Legislative Reforms

The review of Tonga’s legislative framework has focused on increasing criminal sanctions, widening procedural powers, and strengthening mutual legal assistance (MLA) powers and functions.

  • A draft bill is currently being finalized, with a view to submitting it to Cabinet for approval later this year.

Capacity-Building Initiatives

In addition to its legislative efforts, Tonga is also investing in capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the judiciary. These include:

  • Training on computer forensics
  • GPEN training
  • Establishment of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and 24/7 networks

Public Awareness and Partnerships

Tonga’s approach to combating cybercrime is not limited to legislative changes alone. The country is also working to build public awareness of the issue through:

  • Public education campaigns
  • Fostering partnerships between government, private sector companies, and individuals to combat cybercrime

Monitoring and Evaluation

As Tonga moves forward with its plans to update its legislative framework, it remains committed to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of its new laws.

  • The country has adopted a methodology for monitoring and evaluation through the Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON).

Conclusion

Tonga’s efforts to combat cybercrime are a significant step towards building a safer and more secure online environment in the Pacific region. As a regional leader, Tonga is demonstrating its commitment to tackling this critical issue head-on, and its willingness to work with international partners to achieve shared goals.