Cyber Law at Solomon Islands
As of April 2025, the Solomon Islands does not have a comprehensive, standalone cybercrime law. Instead, the country addresses cyber-related offenses through a combination of existing legislation and policy frameworks.
⚖️ Existing Legal Framework
1. Telecommunications Act (2009)
Part 19 of this Act outlines various telecommunications offenses, including:
Unauthorized access to data
Interception of messages
Altering, destroying, or deleting data
Possessing devices intended for committing these offenses
2. Criminal Procedure Code
Section 101 provides general powers for search and seizure, which extend to electronic evidence.
3. Penal Code
Certain provisions may apply to cyber-related offenses, though they are not specifically tailored for cybercrime.
🧭 National ICT Policy
The Solomon Islands' National ICT Policy outlines an action plan related to cybercrime, aiming to, Ensure appropriate legal protection for the community from potential ICT-related risk -Equip regulatory, law enforcement, and judicial personnel with the necessary skills and resources to effectively administer and enforce ICT law
🏛️ Institutional Framework
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation is the primary government body overseeing ICT matters, including aspects related to cybercrime.
🌐 International Cooperation
The Solomon Islands has not yet ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which is a key international treaty aimed at harmonizing laws and enhancing cooperation in combating cybercrime.
📌 Summary
While the Solomon Islands has some legal provisions addressing cyber-related offenses, there is no comprehensive cybercrime legislation in place.The existing framework is fragmented, and there is a recognized need for a dedicated cybercrime law to address the evolving challenges in the digital landscp.Efforts are ongoing to develop such legislation, with support from international partners.
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