Cyber Law at Mauritania
Mauritania's legal framework for cybersecurity and data protection is evolving, with several key developments aimed at enhancing digital security and personal data privacy.
🛡️ Cybersecurity Strategy
In 2019, Mauritania adopted its National Cybersecurity Strategy 2019–2022, which outlines objectives to-
-Secure critical state infrastructures and electronic services
-Equip businesses with protective measures
-Promote cybersecurity awareness and develop legal frameworks
-Establish a national cybersecurity agency and Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), The strategy emphasizes a multisectoral governance model involving high-level management entities, national cybersecurity agencies, and operational teams to address evolving digital threats
⚖️ Cybercrime and Data Protection Legislation
Mauritania enacted the Law on the Protection of Personal Data in 2018, which criminalizes unauthorized access to personal data, data theft, and cyber fraud, However, the law has faced challenges in implementation due to the absence of necessary decrees, rendering it largely inactive, In 2020, the government established the Computer Security Service under the General Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies (DGITC) to investigate cybercrimesDespite this, the country lacks a formal and operational Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), hindering effective response to cybersecurity incidents
🌍 International Cooperation
In May 2023, Mauritania ratified the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), which came into effect on June 8. This convention provides a comprehensive legal framework for addressing cybercrime and data protection across Africa, emphasizing the need for national laws to align with its provision. Additionally, in October 2024, Mauritania signed a bilateral data protection cooperation agreement with Algeria, aiming to enhance collaboration in personal data protection through training and the exchange of expertise between their respective data protection authorities.
🔄 Current Challenge
Despite the existence of laws and strategies, Mauritania faces challenges in enforcing cybersecurity and data protection regulations due to:
Lack of implementing decrees for existing las.
Absence of a fully operational CET.
Limited capacity and resources for enforcemet.
These challenges undermine the effectiveness of the legal framework and delay the realization of its intended benefis.--
In summary, while Mauritania has made strides in developing a legal and strategic framework for cybersecurity and data protection, significant efforts are needed to address implementation gaps and enhance the effectiveness of these measurs.
RELATED Blog
0 comments