The Law No. 2010/012 of 21 December 2010 on Cybersecurity and Cybercriminality in Cameroon

The Law No. 2010/012 of 21 December 2010 on Cybersecurity and Cybercriminality in Cameroon establishes the legal framework for securing electronic communications and punishing cybercrime. Here’s a brief summary:

The law aims to build trust in digital technologies, ensure secure electronic communication, and protect human rights and privacy. It defines responsibilities for the administration (notably the Ministry in charge of Telecommunications) and the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC), which serves as the national regulator and Root Certification Authority.

Key components include:

• Electronic security regulation: Security audits and certification are mandatory for service providers and operators, with penalties for non-compliance.
• Electronic signatures and certification: Advanced electronic signatures have legal value equal to handwritten ones, provided they meet strict technical standards.
• Data and privacy protection: Operators must safeguard personal data, traffic information, and user privacy, and retain connection data for ten years.
• Cybercrime procedures and offences: The law criminalises unauthorised access, data manipulation, digital fraud, identity theft, child pornography, hate speech, and misuse of electronic communication. It also outlines investigative powers and procedures.
• International cooperation: Provisions exist for mutual judicial assistance and cross-border certification recognition.

The law is enforced through strict penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines, applicable to both individuals and corporate entities. It also emphasises the importance of international collaboration in combating cybercrime.