Rwanda

Digital ID rollout by 2026, requiring guardian consent for minors' biometric data: Rwanda plans to roll out a national digital ID system by 2026, requiring biometric data from citizens aged five and above. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian to provide consent for data collection, establishing a robust identity verification infrastructure that could potentially be leveraged for age verification in the future.

Ministerial Instruction on Child Online Protection published: The Ministry of ICT and Innovation issued instructions mandating ISPs and digital content providers to implement parental controls, content filtering, and age verification mechanisms to prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content.

Guidance on children's data protection under Privacy and Data Protection Law published: An article highlighted Article 9 of Rwanda’s data protection and privacy law, which mandates parental consent for processing personal data of children under 16, unless for vital interest.

Law N° 027/2019 Relating to the Protection of Children became effective: This law contains provisions related to child exploitation and abuse, reinforcing the legal framework for child protection.

Rwanda Child Online Protection Policy adopted: The Government of Rwanda formally adopted the Child Online Protection Policy, aiming to mitigate risks and harms for children in the digital environment and establish a framework for safe navigation.

Law N° 68/2018 Determining Offences and Penalties in General (Penal Code) became effective: This new Penal Code repealed the 2012 version and includes updated provisions on 'Obscene publications and exhibitions' (Article 140) and 'Child pornography' (Article 141).

Law N° 60/2018 on Prevention and Punishment of Cybercrimes became effective: This law specifically addresses child pornography and related offenses committed through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Rwanda ups measures for safe Internet to curb the abuse of children online: Police reported dealing with child pornography cases, and the Minister for Youth and ICT expressed concern over children accessing inappropriate content, highlighting the need for stronger legislation and awareness.

Organic Law N° 01/2012/OL Instituting the Penal Code became effective: The 2012 Penal Code, containing early provisions on obscenity and child protection, became effective.

Organic Law N° 01/2012/OL Instituting the Penal Code enacted: This law included provisions against indecent assault, child defilement, and exhibition/distribution of obscene objects. It was later repealed by Law N° 68/2018.