Attorney General Uz Ahmed Usham has announced that several key bills related to data protection and digitalisation will be submitted to Parliament during the current session.

Speaking at a press briefing at the President’s Office on Wednesday, Usham said the Attorney General’s Office is finalising a number of important legislative proposals, with some set to be introduced in the coming days.

He noted that the Protection of Personal Information Bill is expected to be submitted shortly, adding that work on the data privacy framework has been completed with the assistance of international experts and in consultation with relevant government agencies.

According to Usham, the bill aims to establish a transparent and accountable system for the collection and processing of personal data, while defining the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of data controllers and processors.

In addition, he said three other bills linked to the Government’s digitalisation agenda will be introduced during the same session, including a Cybersecurity Bill.

The proposed cybersecurity legislation is intended to strengthen the security of the national cyber environment, set standards for information systems across key public and private sector infrastructure, and address both domestic and cross-border cyber threats.

Usham also revealed that a broader digitalisation bill, referred to as the Maldives 2.0 Bill, will be submitted. The legislation will provide for the establishment of a Maldives Digital Service and a national data exchange platform.

He added that a separate bill outlining regulations for digital identity will also be presented to Parliament as part of the wider reform agenda.