Mozambique

Discussion on mandatory age verification for online content: An article published on Moz.life discusses the possibility of mandatory age verification coming to Mozambique, influenced by new laws in the UK and other countries, raising concerns about privacy.

Biometric SIM card registration implemented: Decree no. 13/23 approved the Regulation on the Registration of Telecommunications Services, implementing a biometric SIM card registration scheme.

Draft Cybersecurity Bill released by INTIC: The National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) released a draft Cybersecurity Bill, aiming to consolidate the national framework on internet regulation.

Law no. 13/22 on the Prevention, Suppression and Countering of Terrorism and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction: This law introduced anti-terrorism measures, including provisions on disseminating false information related to terrorist acts.

Penal Code (Lei n.º 24/19): The 2019 Penal Code was enacted, containing provisions on child pornography (Article 212), computer fraud (Articles 336-339), and privacy (Article 252).

African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection signed: Mozambique signed the Malabo Convention, aiming to create a legal framework for personal data protection, though it was not yet ratified.

Launch of public reporting system for child sexual abuse content: Mozambique launched a public reporting system for child sexual abuse content (CSAC) in partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) on Safer Internet Day.

Law no. 3/2017 on Electronic Transactions: This law established a legal framework for electronic transactions and addressed certain cybercrimes, including obligations for processing electronic personal data.

National Cybersecurity Strategy of Mozambique (2017 – 2021) - Draft Version 1: The draft strategy recognized the government’s responsibility in protecting children and other vulnerable groups from cyber bullying, sexual solicitation and grooming, pornography and other harmful content online.

Penal Code Revision Law - Law No. 35/2014: Mozambique's criminal law underwent a major change with the entry into force of Law No. 35/2014, which included provisions on child pornography and set the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 16 years.

Law No. 7/2008 on the Promotion and Protection of Children's Rights: This law explicitly states the government's responsibility to protect children against all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.

UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons ratified: Mozambique ratified the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

Family Law (Law 10/2004): The new Family Law was approved, strengthening children's rights and setting the legal age of marriage at 18 years, with exceptions for those over 16 with parental authorization.

ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour ratified: Mozambique ratified the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography ratified: Mozambique ratified the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.

Law 6/99 on Access of Minors to Public Venues of Fun Party and the use of Alcohol and Tobacco: This law established the legal framework regulating access of minors to public fairgrounds, parties, and consumption of alcohol and tobacco, including requirements for controlling entry to physical venues.

African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child ratified: Mozambique ratified the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

Law Nº 3/ 97 on the Prevention of Drug Abuse: Law Nº 3/ 97 was enacted, which articulates the protection of children against the use of narcotic drugs and aggravates punishment for offenders when such substances are delivered or intended for minors.

Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified: Mozambique ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.