South Sudan Takes Major Step Against Cybercrime with New Bill

The Revitalized National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan has passed the Cybersecurity and Computer Misuse Bill with key amendments during its Tuesday sitting. The approval marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework against rising online threats and misuse of digital platforms.

Following the bill’s passage, the Assembly’s specialized Committee on ICT and Postal Services is now tasked with incorporating recommendations raised during the session. Once finalized, the revised document will be forwarded to the Speaker, who will transmit it to the President for assent. Once signed into law, the legislation is expected to curb harmful activities on social media, particularly hate speech, which has increasingly become a public concern.

Speaking during the deliberations, Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Ateny Wek Ateny highlighted the growing misuse of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to spread abuse and discredit individuals. He noted that the new bill will provide legal clarity and enforcement mechanisms to ensure offenders can be prosecuted effectively.

The minister also urged lawmakers to prioritize the development of a Data Protection law. Such a law, he said, is crucial to safeguarding both public and government data from cybercrimes, especially as digital transformation accelerates across the country.