Somalia has become the latest country to take steps to defend its digital infrastructure, having approved a cyber-crime Bill that was endorsed by the federal government's prime minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, and the council of ministers.
This historic legislation, revealed last week, was drafted and presented by the Ministry of Communications and Technology, overseen by its minister, Mohamed Adam Moalim Ali.
The development comes as the National Communications Authority of Somalia recently signed two separate agreements with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Cyber Security Malaysia, which aim to improve collaboration in digital regulation, technical cooperation, and cyber security.
One of the agreements centred on collaborative efforts to address common cyber security concerns. Cooperation includes preventing and responding to cyber incidents, exchanging threat intelligence and IT security trends, developing capacity and certification programs, and collaborating on cyber diplomacy.
The new Somalia cyber-crime Bill focuses on preventing unlawful use of computer systems and modern devices, protecting confidentiality, security, and public morality, protecting the national economy and critical information infrastructure, and establishing rules and penalties in accordance with international and regional standards.
Moalim Ali applauded the cabinet's ratification of the Bill, stating that it is a critical step towards safeguarding confidentiality, safety, and security of Somalia's digital systems while also promoting national interests and the economy.
In his remarks, the minister emphasised that the Ministry will continue to endeavour to guarantee that Somalia has secure, contemporary, and regulated communications that keep up with global technology progress.
He further underscored that these efforts form the backbone of the country’s economic growth and the protection of national security in the digital era.
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