Cyber Law at Mauritius
Mauritius has significantly enhanced its cybersecurity and cybercrime legal framework to address the evolving digital landscape. Here's an overview of the key legislations and initiatives:
🛡️ Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act 2021
The Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act 2021 supersedes the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003, introducing comprehensive measures to combat cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity - Key provisions include:
Criminalization of Cyber Offenses:The Act criminalizes various cyber offenses, including unauthorized access to computer systems, data interference, system interference, and cyber extortion. Penalties for such offenses range from substantial fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime
Critical Information Infrastructure:The Act defines critical information infrastructure as assets, facilities, systems, networks, or processes whose incapacity, destruction, or modification would have a debilitating impact on essential services or national security
Enhanced Investigative Powers:The Act grants investigatory authorities the power to apply for court orders to preserve, disclose, and collect data, including real-time traffic data and interception of content data, for criminal investigations
🏛️ Regulatory Authorities
Computer Emergency Response Team of Mauritius (CERT-MU) Established in December 2021, CERT-MU is legally mandated to coordinate national cybersecurity response activities, promote cybersecurity awareness, and monitor internet threats. It also represents Mauritius in various international cybersecurity initiative.
National Cybersecurity Committee Formed under the 2021 Act, this committee is responsible for formulating national cybersecurity policies, standards, and guideline.
📜 Previous Legislation: Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003 was the initial legislation addressing cybercrimes in Mauritius. It outlined offenses such as unauthorized access to computer systems, data modification, and cyber fraud. However, with the rapid advancement of technology and the emergence of new cyber threats, the Act became outdated and was replaced by the 2021 legislation.
🌐 International Co-operation
Mauritius actively participates in international cybersecurity initiatives and has aligned its legal framework with global standards, including the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection.
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