Being an Act to provide for the prevention of the abusive use of computer systems; to provide for the timely and effective collection of electronic evidence for the purpose of investigation and prosecution of cybercrime; to provide for the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure; to provide for facilitation of international cooperation in dealing with cybercrime matters and to provide for other related matters.
The Cybercrime Act, 2020, focuses on preventing abusive use of computer systems, ensuring effective collection of electronic evidence, protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure, facilitating international cooperation, and addressing related matters. Key points include:
Definitions: The Act provides comprehensive definitions of terms crucial to understanding cybercrime, such as “computer data,” “computer system,” “Critical National Information Infrastructure,” and “encrypted data.”
Prevention and Investigation: It outlines measures to prevent abusive use of computer systems, including interference or modification. It emphasizes the importance of timely and effective collection of electronic evidence for investigation and prosecution of cybercrime.
Protection of Critical Infrastructure: The Act highlights the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure essential for Sierra Leone’s security, defence, international relations, and public services. It identifies sectors like communication, infrastructure, banking, and public safety as critical.
International Cooperation: It provides provisions for international cooperation in dealing with cybercrime matters, including extradition or prosecution of offenders under public international law.
Ministerial Responsibilities: The Act designates the Minister responsible for Information and Communications with specific duties related to cybercrime prevention and enforcement.
Service Providers and Subscriber Information: It defines the roles and responsibilities of service providers and outlines subscriber information relevant to communication services, including identity, billing information, and communication details.
Traffic Data: The Act defines traffic data concerning communication by computer systems, specifying its elements such as origin, destination, route, time, and size.
Overall, the Cybercrime Act, 2020, aims to establish a robust legal framework to combat cyber threats, protect critical infrastructure, and promote international cooperation in addressing cybercrime issues in Sierra Leone.
