Gaudencio Mohaba Messu, president of the chamber of deputies in Equatorial Guinea.

Equatorial Guinea is moving closer to passing a cybersecurity law after its parliament, this week, accepted articles defining computer crimes and other cybercrimes, as well as penalties and fines that would be imposed on those who commit them.

The legislative panel reviewing the draft law, which also governs the use of social media, took the action during sessions moderated by the institution's president, Gaudencio Mohaba Messu.

According to a government statement, computer-related crimes include, primarily, those involving the integrity of computer systems, such as unauthorised access to computer systems, programmes, or data, and illegal interception of communication.

The draft law also covers offences related to computer fraud, such as computer espionage to unduly obtain sensitive personal data or confidential public information, the breach of a restricted or protected computer systems without authorisation.

The government statement added: “The cybercrime section covers, among other things, offences related to impersonating or taking over the computer identity of another person, unauthorised disclosure of information stored on a computer or technological device, unlawful use of personal data, unauthorised transfer of public information classified as confidential, violating computer systems or data, or endangering the security of the sovereignty of the State.”

The move comes as industry experts recently raised the alarm, stating that as the African digital landscape grows, cyber threats have become more diverse and complicated.

Kaspersky has cautioned that this is especially noticeable due to the introduction of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and the escalating geopolitical and economic volatility in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.