The National Assembly has approved amendments to the Cybercrime and Related Crimes Bill, following debates held this week.
Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, who tabled the 2025 amendments, told the Assembly the changes mark an important benchmark for Seychelles. He said the amendments reflect good international practice in the management of cybercrime and related offences, and were shaped by proposals from government as well as advocacy by the Council of Europe.
Mr Pillay said the amendments were developed after reviews by legal experts from the World Bank and the Office of the Attorney General. He added that the legislation forms part of the benchmarks linked to financing and budgetary support provided to Seychelles by the World Bank, and compliance is required for that support to continue.
He said the Seychelles Police Force, which is responsible for enforcing the law, also contributed to the review process. According to the vice-president, the analysis identified several gaps in the existing legislation that required correction.
Mr Pillay told the Assembly that the proposed amendments had received approval from both the former and current Cabinets of Ministers.
He said digital crime does not recognise national borders and that combating such offences requires a global response. He added that Seychelles is playing its part by updating its legal framework to better protect its citizens.
Among the key changes is a provision that allows Seychellois nationals to be held accountable for cybercrime offences even if they are committed outside the country. Mr Pillay said aligning legal frameworks across jurisdictions helps to strengthen mutual legal assistance between states.
He added that some of the amendments bring the law into line with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which he said seeks to balance the protection of free expression with security considerations.
The bill also introduces provisions that criminalise the sharing or transmission of obscene material, including child sexual abuse material. Under the amendments, offences related to digital pornography now carry a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, compared with five years under the previous law.
Further changes criminalise offences related to copyright infringement, in line with protections outlined under the Budapest Convention. The amendments also make it an offence to aid, abet or participate in crimes covered by the legislation, with the aim of strengthening accountability.
The revised law extends liability to legal persons, meaning registered companies can be held responsible if found to be in breach of the provisions.On investigations, the amendments allow for the collection of digital evidence by relevant authorities, including in cases governed by other laws.
Following debate by members on both sides of the Assembly, the amendments to the Cybercrime and Related Crimes Bill were approved.