East Timor

Timor-Leste suspends online gambling licenses: The government approved a resolution to revoke online gambling and betting licenses, citing concerns about social stability and security, and prohibited issuing new licenses.

Ministry of Justice intends to develop a Cyber Law: Reported that the Ministry of Justice, under the Ninth Constitutional Government, intends to develop a Cyber Law to ensure network security, protect digital rights, and prevent cybercrime.

Seminar on Intersectionality of Digital Rights in Timor-Leste: ITP TL organized a seminar to discuss challenges and opportunities associated with digitalization and digital rights, emphasizing the need for specific legislation and inclusive government policies.

Discussion of Cyber Law to be resumed: The Ministry of Justice announced that the discussion of the Cyber Law, aimed at regulating social networks and curbing misinformation/defamation, would be resumed and presented to the Council of Ministers.

Decree-Law No. 12/2024: Established the General Legal Regime for Electronic Commerce and Electronic Signature, providing a legal framework for electronic transactions.

Previous government presented a draft Cyber Law: A proposal for a Cyber Law was presented to the National Parliament but later caducated in its legislative validity.

The Press Law (Law No. 5/2014): First media-specific legislation, promoting professional and independent journalism and regulating access to information.

Ministry of Justice launches Integrated Information Management System: System launched to help Justice Sector’s services work in a more coordinated and efficient way.

Telecommunications Law (Law No. 7/2012): Established the regulatory framework for telecommunications services.

Government Resolution 21/2011 on Telecommunications Policy: Approved a new telecommunications policy, noting that 'cyber legislation will have to be addressed in due course, both from the point of view of preventing cyber-crime and creating a legal basis for electronic transactions (e-Government, e-Commerce), data protection and other similar future developments.'

Penal Code of Timor-Leste (Decree Law No. 19/2009): Includes provisions on defamation and slander, which are criminal offenses. This may be an amendment or specific decree related to the Penal Code.

Timor-Leste Penal Code (Law No. 10/2007): Primary law addressing offenses related to pornography, particularly concerning minors (Article 170) and public display (Article 171).

Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: Guarantees freedom of expression and information (Article 40) and freedom of the press (Article 41), subject to necessary limitations in a democratic society.