Vanuatu Takes a Stand Against Cybercrime with New Act

Combating the Growing Threat of Cybercrime

The Government of Vanuatu has made a significant move in combating cybercrime by passing the Cybercrime Act No. 22 of 2021. This new law aims to protect the country’s national infrastructure, public services, commercial and financial security from the growing threat of cybercrime.

Collaboration with International Partners

The Act was developed in collaboration with international partners, including the Council of Europe and the Australian Attorney General’s Department. It is designed to achieve a range of key policies and strategies, including:

• Priority five of the National ICT Policy
• Goal three of the Cyber Security Policy
• Action plan one and government direction one under pillar five of the National Security Policy

Key Objectives of the Act

The main objectives of the Act are to:

• Criminalize and sanction unauthorized actions committed by individuals on and through computer systems
• Provide for the power and procedure for obtaining and collecting electronic evidence
• Include privacy safeguards and police accountability measures to ensure responsible and transparent duties
• Provide an effective mechanism for international cooperation with other states to facilitate rapid flow of information and evidence in investigating and prosecuting cybercrime cases

Protecting Vanuatu’s Financial Sector

The passage of the Cybercrime Act is seen as a critical step in protecting Vanuatu’s financial sector from the growing threat of cyberattacks. The country’s financial institutions are increasingly vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cybercrime, which can result in significant financial losses and damage to reputation.

Enhanced Law Enforcement Capabilities

With the new law in place, authorities will be better equipped to:

• Investigate and prosecute cybercrime cases
• Protect individuals and businesses from the harmful effects of these crimes