Modern, effective law to be enacted to combat cybercrime: Shama Obaid

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid has said a modern and effective cybersecurity law will be enacted to prevent the misuse of the internet and social media, violence against women, the use of obscene language, bullying and social degradation.

She made the remarks at the start of a meeting of the committee formed to enact a cybersecurity law at the Secretariat on Thursday, September 10.

Shama Obaid said various harmful activities are currently taking place in cyberspace and on social media. An effective cybersecurity law is needed to protect the people of the country from these harms. However, the law must be one that simultaneously ensures people's rights and security.

She said a committee has been formed on the directive of the Prime Minister, comprising the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Law. The main objective of the committee is to enact an effective and realistic law by taking the opinions and suggestions of all relevant stakeholders.

Expressing concern over violence against women, the use of obscene language and bullying on social media, the State Minister said these activities not only have a negative impact on individuals but also cause degradation in society as a whole. As a result, social values are damaged and the country may face various crises.

She said the government wants to take effective measures to protect people from harmful activities in cyberspace. To this end, a modern and effective cybersecurity law will be enacted based on the opinions and suggestions of all relevant stakeholders.