President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that his administration is drafting a comprehensive Cybersecurity Act to be introduced next year, a direct response to the alarming surge in online crimes that have become a major public concern nationwide.
The President's commitment follows growing anxieties from citizens, including youth who recently highlighted the issue during a "Coffee with the President" session. The nation has witnessed a sharp increase in complaints including sophisticated financial scams, large-scale monetary theft, online harassment, and other malicious acts conducted on digital platforms.
President Muizzu said that a lot of significant steps are scheduled to be taken next year to explicitly address the current legal void to combat cybercrime.
This new legislation is designed to serve as the foundational framework for the National Cyber Security Agency, established last year, enabling it to function at its full capacity. The law will also pave the way for the creation of a dedicated cyber incident response team and specialised training programmes to equip professionals with the skills to combat digital threats effectively.
This domestic initiative is bolstered by the Maldives' international stance, having been one of the first nations to join the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, signaling a concerted effort to tackle cyber threats both at home and through global cooperation.