The Tunisian government has issued a new decree aimed at combating cybercrime, which was published in the country's official gazette on September 30, 2026. The decree, numbered 1 of 2026, amends a previous decree from 2022 that dealt with crimes related to information and communication systems. This new decree comes as part of the government's efforts to regulate and tackle the increasing number of cybercrimes in the country.
The new decree repeals Article 24 of the 2022 decree and replaces it with new provisions that outline specific penalties for cybercrime offenses. According to the new Article 24, individuals who intentionally use information and communication systems to produce, send, publish, or promote false news, data, or documents that are likely to infringe on others' rights or harm national security or defense will be punished. The decree specifies fines ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 Tunisian dinars for such offenses.
The decree also introduces penalties for individuals who use information systems to spread false news or documents that contain personal data or attribute false information to others, with the aim of defaming or harming them. Those found guilty will face the same fines as those outlined in the previous section. In cases of repeat offenses, perpetrators will be sentenced to six months in prison and fined 50,000 Tunisian dinars. The decree also stipulates that penalties will be doubled if the targeted individual is a public official.
The new decree was discussed by the Council of Ministers, under the supervision of President Kais Saied, on September 29, 2026. The meeting aimed to review and finalize the draft decree to tackle the growing concern of cybercrimes in Tunisia. The government's move is seen as an effort to enhance the country's cybersecurity and protect its citizens from the negative impacts of cybercrime.
The amended decree is part of Tunisia's ongoing efforts to develop its legal framework to address emerging challenges in the field of information and communication technology. The country's authorities have been working to strike a balance between protecting freedom of expression and ensuring public safety in the digital space. The new decree is expected to have significant implications for online activities in Tunisia.
Human rights groups and civil society organizations have been closely monitoring the developments in Tunisia's cybercrime laws, expressing concerns about potential restrictions on online freedoms. However, the government's stance is that the new decree is necessary to safeguard national security and protect citizens from the harms of cybercrime. The decree's implementation and impact on online activities in Tunisia will be closely watched in the coming months.
The decree's publication in the official gazette marks the beginning of its enforcement. Tunisian authorities are expected to take a proactive approach in enforcing the new provisions and addressing cybercrime cases. The government's efforts to combat cybercrime are seen as crucial in maintaining public trust in the country's digital infrastructure and promoting a safe online environment for its citizens.
Key points
- The new decree amends Tunisia's cybercrime law, introducing stricter penalties for online offenses.
- The decree aims to protect national security, public safety, and citizens' rights in the digital space.
- The implementation of the decree will be closely monitored by human rights groups and civil society organizations.
