Cyber crime laws need to align with int'l standards

Anjana Samarasinghe

"In any country regulations imposed on cyber crimes need to be aligned with international standards," Head of Economic Crime Division Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs Council of Europe Alexander Seger said.

Speaking at the opening session of "Cyber Crime and Role of Judiciary", a workshop organised for local judges, which was held last Tuesday, he said cyber crimes cannot be limited to one country or one region.

"We have to work together to combat cyber crimes. Adopting latest technologies will heavily contribute to the economic advancement. But a major problem is the cyber crimes.

Sri Lanka formulated new laws for combating computer crimes. However these laws need to be aligned with international standards. Today most of the countries work together through cyber crime convention to strengthen and harmonise legislation on these crimes", he said.

We hope that Sri Lanka too will be a partner of this international convention in the near future.

It is important for countries to know how to enhance capabilities on cooperation among countries to mitigate cyber crimes. We need to educate investigators, prosecutors and judges on cyber crimes", he said.

Attorney General Priyasath Dep (PC) said Sri Lanka has enacted laws on this area. "We need to have a comprehensive legal framework to detecting cyber crimes. Countries need to have agreements for legal assistance for cyber crimes.

Sri Lanka enacted the Computer Crimes Act No.24 of 2007 which was brought into operation with effect from July 15 2008. It is now important that investigators, prosecutors and judges receive the necessary training to apply this legislation in practice.

The investigation of cyber crimes is difficult without the assistance of internet service providers. It is essential that Sri Lanka is in a position to coorperate internationally in an efficient manner.

The convention on Cyber crimes of the council of Europe provides a framework for international cooperation that may also be of benefit to Sri Lanka.