Cyber Law at Seychelles
Seychelles has established a robust legal framework to address cybercrime, data protection, and digital governance, aligning with international standards and enhancing its cybersecurity posture.
🛡️ Cybercrime and Data Protection Laws
Cybercrimes and Other Related Crimes Act, 2021 (Act 59 of 2021)
Enacted on December 15, 2021, and commenced on February 1, 2022, this Act replaced the Computer Misuse Act of 1998, It criminalizes a range of cyber offenses, including
Unauthorized Access:Gaining access to computer systems without authorization
Cyber Fraud:Using computer systems to commit fraud
Cyber Harassment and Stalking:Engaging in online harassment or stalking
Child Exploitation:Distributing or possessing child pornography
Offensive Electronic Communications:Sending offensive messages electronically
Cyber Extortion:Threatening to damage computer systems to extort money, The Act also addresses unauthorized disclosure of access credentials and unlawful possession of illegal devices, Penalties for these offenses include fines and imprisonment, with sentences up to 20 years for severe offenses like unauthorized interference with computer systems,
Accession to the Budapest Convention
Seychelles is in the process of amending its laws to accede to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, aiming to enhance international cooperation in combating cybercrime, This will involve refining definitions, enhancing procedural laws, and expanding international cooperation
🧰 Capacity Building and Infrastructure
To strengthen its capabilities in combating cybercrime, Seychelles has taken significant steps:
Digital Forensic Laboratory In November 2023, China gifted a digital forensic lab to the Seychelles Police Forc. The lab is equipped for secure data extraction, storage media backup, data analysis, and recover.
Training Programs In March 2025, over 70 Seychellois judges, prosecutors, and investigators participated in workshops organized by the Commonwealth Secretaria. These workshops focused on handling complex cybercrime cases, including online scams and identity theft, and emphasized the legal admissibility of electronic evidence and international cooperation.
🌐 Jurisdiction and International Cooperatio
The Cybercrimes and Other Related Crimes Act applies to offenses occurring within Seychelles, on Seychelles-flagged ships, or on aircraft registered in Seychells, It also covers acts that directly or indirectly affect persons, computer systems, or events within Seychells.
Through its efforts to accede to the Budapest Convention, Seychelles aims to enhance its international cooperation in combating cybercrime, aligning with global standards and improving its legal and procedural frameworks.
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