Maldives Parliament Passes Amendments to Penal Code, Criminalizing Cyber Crimes

Maldives Parliament has passed amendments to the Penal Code, officially classifying cyber crimes as criminal offenses. The bill, which received unanimous approval with 58 votes in favor, introduces three new articles focused on computer-related crimes.

Submitted by Maafushi MP Hussain Riza Adam, the amendment includes the addition of Article 240, which criminalizes

- Unauthorized access to computer systems

- Interception of computer data

- The misuse of devices.

The legislation also addresses cyber violence, including acts such as the production, publication, possession, and circulation of child pornography through computer systems. Cyber-stalking, threats, and other forms of computer-related fraud and infringement of copyright are also now recognized as criminal offenses.

The amendments define specific acts of cyber violence, including the production and circulation of child pornography with the intent to harm, as well as threatening behavior and cyber-stalking. However, the legislation provides an exemption for cases involving unauthorized access to computer systems if such access is permitted under a court order or authorized by law.

Along with the changes to the Penal Code, Parliament also passed two additional bills to amend the Criminal Procedure Law and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, both of which received unanimous approval.

The amendments will come into effect once ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the Maldives' legal framework to address cyber crimes.