Gambia

Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill 2025 passed: The National Assembly passed a landmark law establishing a comprehensive legal framework for personal data protection.

Children and Vulnerable Groups Online Protection Policy validated: The Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy finalized the validation of a policy aimed at safeguarding minors in the digital space.

Cybercrime Bill 2023 introduced in National Assembly: The proposed Cybercrime Bill, which includes broad criminalization of online speech (e.g., 'false news', 'prurient' content, 'sexually explicit content' even if consensual) and extensive surveillance powers, was approved in its first reading.

Malabo Convention came into force: The African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, signed and ratified by The Gambia, came into force.

Access to Information (ATI) Act signed: President Barrow signed the ATI Act, guaranteeing the right to information and aiming to improve government transparency.

Police report rising pornography and revenge porn: Chief Inspector Cherno Bah of The Gambia Police Force stated that pornography, particularly 'revenge porn' (non-consensual sharing of intimate images), is a rising issue.

ICA amendments for judicial oversight rejected: Parliament rejected amendments to the ICA that would have provided judicial oversight for surveillance powers.

Draft Data Protection and Privacy Policy issued: PURA issued a draft policy to establish rules for data processing by private and public-sector entities, but it was not implemented into law as of August 2021.

Supreme Court ruling on ICA and Criminal Code: The Supreme Court declared Section 173 of the ICA 2013 unconstitutional, struck out criminal defamation, and narrowed the definition of sedition. However, it upheld provisions prohibiting 'false publication and broadcasting'.

ECOWAS Court ruling on media laws: The ECOWAS Community Court ruled that Gambian authorities should repeal sections of the Criminal Code on libel, sedition, false news, and false publication on the internet.

Pornography and other blocked websites became accessible: Following the new government taking office, all previously blocked websites and apps, including those containing pornographic material, became accessible.

Internet and mobile network shutdown: Authorities shut down the entire internet and mobile networks across the country on the eve of presidential elections, purportedly to prevent the spread of false information.

National Cyber Security Strategy plans unveiled: The Jammeh administration unveiled plans to set up a new National Cyber Security Strategy to monitor cyber threats, including scrutiny of personal data protection and computer misuse.

First Internet Exchange Point (IXP) launched: Launched to boost speed, security, and affordability of internet services.

Cybercrime Act: Legislation prohibiting child pornography (Section 28) and obscene publication (Section 29).

Information and Communication Act (ICA) amendments: Amendments criminalized online dissent, including 'criticising, impersonating, or spreading false news about public officials' online, with severe penalties.

ACE Submarine Cable lands: The African Coast to Europe (ACE) Submarine Cable landed, increasing internet penetration.

Information and Communications Act (ICA): Primary law governing information and communication technology, including Section 138 prohibiting offensive/indecent communications and Part XIII on personal data/privacy. Grants sweeping surveillance powers without judicial oversight.

Official Secrets (Amendment) Act: Prescribes penalties for unauthorized disclosure, retention, possession, or use of official information.

Children's Act: Legislation forming the basis for child protection, implicitly reinforcing the prohibition of child pornography and content harmful to minors. Criminalizes sexual acts with any child under 16.

PURA established: The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) was set up in 2004 to regulate the activities of telecom service providers and other public utilities.

Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) Act: Established the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to regulate public utilities, including telecommunications.