(KPL) The revised law updates the original Law on Anti-Computer Crime, adopted in August 2015, to reflect rapid advances in information and communications technology, including the expansion of social media, artificial intelligence, digital financial services and cloud computing.

Minister Santisouk told the National Assembly that these developments have created new risks, including AI-generated scams and deepfakes, unauthorised access to computer systems, data theft, disinformation and cybercrime linked to fraudulent call centres.

The amended legislation has been renamed the Law on Anti-Cybercrime (Amended). It comprises 10 parts, four chapters and 62 articles, including 49 revised articles, 12 new articles and one retained article.

Part II defines 12 types of cybercrime, covering unauthorised access to computer systems, interception and destruction of computer data, falsification of digital information, cyber fraud, interference with computer systems, the unauthorised manipulation of digital content, the dissemination of pornographic material through cyber channels, and cyber-enabled violence against women and children.

The law also provides for the establishment of a National Committee for Anti-Cybercrime to coordinate prevention and response efforts at national and provincial levels.

To support implementation, the government plans to strengthen technical training for investigators, specialists and judges, and provide funding for digital forensic software and investigative equipment. It also plans to establish a 24-hour emergency response centre to improve coordination among law enforcement agencies, commercial banks and internet service providers, including efforts to freeze accounts linked to illegal activities and block malicious data.

Implementation will require cooperation among the Ministry of Technology and Communications, the Ministry of Public Security, the Office of the Supreme People's Prosecutor, the People's Supreme Court, the Bank of the Lao PDR and other relevant agencies.

The minister highlighted the law’s potential to improve public protection, safeguard critical infrastructure in sectors such as banking, energy, telecommunications and healthcare, and strengthen investor confidence. He also noted challenges involving compliance costs for telecommunications operators and the need for precise legal definitions to protect freedom of expression.

The National Assembly is expected to continue deliberating on the amended law during its ongoing session.

KPL