Cyber Law at Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has developed a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to address cybercrime, data protection, and digital infrastructure security. Here's an overview of the key aspects:
🛡️ Cybercrime Legislation
The Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 (Act 7 of 2021) was signed into law on November 17, 2021, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's commitment to combating cybercrime, This legislation provides a unified and comprehensive legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution, and punishment of cybercrimes, It aims to protect computer systems and networks, electronic communications, data, and intellectual property, while ensuring the protection of privacy rights and facilitating international cooperation in dealing with cybercrime matters, The Act criminalizes various offenses, including unauthorized access to protected systems, unauthorized data interception, misuse of devices, computer-related forgery, identity theft and impersonation, cyberstalking and cyberbullying, and online child sexual abuse, It also addresses issues such as cyber terrorism, racist and xenophobic offenses, and breach of confidence by service providers, The law establishes the National Cybersecurity Advisory Council and the National Cybersecurity Fund to oversee and support its implementation
🔐 Data Protection and Privacy
As of April 2025, Sierra Leone is in the process of finalizing its *Data Protection Law. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has set a target to pass the bill in the first half of 2025, with the aim of building on existing work and aligning with international best practice. The law is expected to provide a legal framework for the protection of personal data, ensuring individuals' privacy rights are upheld and establishing mechanisms for the regulation of data processing activities.
💻 Cybersecurity Initiative
Sierra Leone has undertaken several initiatives to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities:
*National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021–2035: This strategy outlines the country's vision and objectives for strengthening cybersecurity over the next decade, focusing on areas such as capacity building, public awareness, and the protection of critical infrastructue.
*National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and Digital Forensics Lab: Launched on January 14, 2025, these institutions aim to enhance the nation's ability to respond to cyber incidents and conduct digital investigatios. The establishment of these entities reflects Sierra Leone's commitment to improving its cybersecurity infrastructure and aligning with regional and international standards.
*International Cooperation: On April 19, 2024, Sierra Leone acceded to the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention), becoming the 71st party to the treaty. This accession underscores Sierra Leone's commitment to international cooperation in combating cybercrime and enhancing global cybersecurity efforts.
📌 Summary
Sierra Leone has made significant strides in developing a robust legal and institutional framework to address cybercrime, protect personal data, and enhance cybersecurity. The enactment of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021, the ongoing development of the Data Protection Law, and the establishment of key cybersecurity institutions demonstrate the country's commitment to creating a secure digital environment.Through these efforts, Sierra Leone aims to safeguard its citizens' digital rights and contribute to regional and international cybersecurity initiaties.
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