New cyber laws in offing

Jul 03, 2007

THE Government is finalising new cyber laws aimed at protecting computer users from cyber crime. The information and communications technology minister, Ham Mulira, said the laws include personal intrusion, national security, fraud and con activities.

By Emmy Olaki

THE Government is finalising new cyber laws aimed at protecting computer users from cyber crime. The information and communications technology minister, Ham Mulira, said the laws include personal intrusion, national security, fraud and con activities.

“Liberalised information can lead to unwanted uses and usage leading to cyber crime. It is necessary to have legal infrastructure within which the technologies can be used. There are three bills which have been drafted, the Electronics Transactions Bill, Digital Signatures Bill and the Computer Misuse Bill,” the minister explained.

He was opening the first consultative workshop organised by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to include senior police officers in discussing the matter.

“These discussions will determine how we in the communications sector shall interface and ensure accelerated development under the new communication regime without compromising likely dangers arising out of that development,” Patrick Masambu, executive director of UCC, said.

The workshop was also intended to strengthen collaboration between the regulator and the Police regarding enforcement of the Uganda Communications Act and other laws.

The communications sector was liberalised recently.

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