Cyber Law at Gambia
Gambia has been actively developing its legal and institutional frameworks to address cybersecurity and data protection, aiming to safeguard citizens' digital rights and foster a secure digital environment.
🛡️ Cybersecurity Legal Framework
In 2016, The Gambia adopted its National Cybersecurity Strategy, which outlines objectives to
- Enhance cybersecurity awareness, training, and education - Establish robust institutional governance and capabilities in cybersecurity - Protect critical information systems - Develop a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework - Promote national and international cooperation in cybersecurity efforts This strategy serves as a foundational document guiding the country's approach to cybersecurity Additionally, The Gambia signed the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection on December 2, 2022 This agreement aims to enhance digital governance and facilitate secure e-commerce across the continent The government has expressed its commitment to ratify and domesticate the convention to strengthen national cybersecurity infrastructure
🔐 Data Protection and Privacy
The Gambia's Data Protection & Privacy Policy and Strategy 2019 lays the groundwork fo:
Establishing legal and institutional frameworks for data protection. Ensuring compliance with international best practice. Safeguarding personal data, particularly that of vulnerable groups such as children. Creating an independent supervisory authority to oversee data protection effort. Building upon this policy, the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill was introduced for a second reading in Parliament in December 202. This bill seeks to:
Hold data processors and controllers accountable for the security and integrity of personal dat. Provide a legal framework to regulate the processing of personal dat. Protect individuals' privacy rights and promote public trust in data usage.
⚠️ Concerns and Challenges
Despite these advancements, there are concerns regarding the potential for the proposed cybercrime laws to infringe upon freedom of expression. Critics have highlighted provisions that could lead to increased surveillance and restrictions on online dissent. For instance, the draft legislation has been criticized for granting authorities broad powers to monitor communications, which may impact civil liberties.
🏛️ Institutional Oversight
The Directorate of Cybersecurity within the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is tasked with overseeing the implementation of cybersecurity policies and strategies Additionally, the Gambia Cyber Security Alliance (GCSA) plays a role in promoting cybersecurity awareness and collaboration among stakeholders.
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