Cyber Law at Palestine
Palestine has established a legal framework to address cybercrime and digital rights through a series of laws and decrees. Here's an overview of the key legislation:
⚖️ Cybercrime Legislation
Law by Decree No. 10 of 2018 on Cybercrime
Promulgated on April 29, 2018, this law criminalizes various cyber offenses, including:
Unauthorized Access: Accessing electronic systems or data without authorization.
Data Manipulation: Altering, deleting, or disclosing electronic data without consent.
Cyber Fraud: Using electronic means to deceive or defraud individuals.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: Using electronic means to harass or intimidate others.
Child Exploitation: Disseminating child pornography or engaging in online child exploitation activities.
Privacy Violations: Interfering with an individual's privacy through electronic means.
The law also establishes a specialized cybercrime unit within the police and security forces, with judicial oversight by the Public Prosecution
Amendment: Law by Decree No. 28 of 2020
On September 1, 2020, Law by Decree No. 28 amended Article 15 of the original law to enhance penalties for cyber extortion and threats. The amendments include:
Increased Penalties: Imprisonment terms ranging from one to three years and fines between 1,000 and 10,000 Jordanian dinars.
Aggravated Offenses: Higher penalties for threats involving crimes or defamation
🔐 Data Protection and Privacy
While Palestine does not yet have a comprehensive data protection law, the existing cybercrime legislation includes provisions related to privacy
Article 22:Prohibits arbitrary or illegal interference with an individual's privacy, family, home, or correspondence
Article 23:Criminalizes the creation or dissemination of electronic content that violates privacy, even if the content is true, However, there is no standalone personal data protection law in Palestine as of now
🏛️ Institutional Framework
Cybercrime Unit Established within the police and security forces, this unit is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.
Public Prosecution Oversees the judicial process for cybercrime cases, ensuring legal procedures are followed.
Legislative Council Responsible for approving laws and amendments related to cybercrime and digital right.
⚠️ Human Rights Considerations
Critics have raised concerns that the cybercrime law may be used to suppress freedom of expression and press freedom. There are reports of individuals being prosecuted for online content deemed offensive or critical of authorities.
📌 Summar
Palestine's legal framework for cybercrime is evolving, with recent amendments aimed at strengthening penalties for digital offenses. While the existing laws address various aspects of cybercrime and digital rights, the absence of a comprehensive data protection law leaves certain privacy concerns unaddressd. Ongoing discussions and potential future legislation may further shape the landscape of digital rights and cybersecurity in Palestine.
RELATED Blog
0 comments