(JUBA) – South Sudan plans to introduce its first Data Protection Bill in 2026 as part of efforts to create a safer and more organised digital environment for businesses and consumers. The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Service said the new law will support the country’s growing digital economy and respond to rising concerns about online safety.
Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny made the announcement during an MTN event in Juba on Thursday. He said the country cannot rely on older laws to deal with current technology challenges and must update its legal tools to protect citizens and support investment.
Ateny said the Data Protection Bill will work together with the Cybercrime and Abuse of Computer Bill 2025, which has already been passed by parliament and is waiting for presidential approval. He said one law cannot be effective without the other, explaining that both are needed to govern South Sudan’s expanding online space.
He said digital activity is rising fast, especially among young people, and that the Criminal Procedure Act 2008 is no longer suitable for dealing with online offences. He added that the ministries of information and justice will jointly prepare the new bill so that by 2026 South Sudan will have a full legal framework for cyberspace.
Civil society groups have welcomed the move but warned that the recently passed cybercrime bill has gaps that could limit its effectiveness. Activist Edmund Yakani said digital related gender based violence is increasing, but many police officers do not have the training required to investigate online crimes. He said some cases involving artificial intelligence generated images have been difficult to handle in court because officials lacked understanding of the technology involved.
Yakani added that some security officers have used digital pressure during investigations without realising that such actions may break the law. He called for the Anti Gender Based Violence Bill to include digital abuse, noting that it currently does not cover offences such as cyber harassment or the sharing of images without consent.
He also called for training for parliament, judges and police on the use of digital evidence, and urged South Sudan to make its cybercrime definitions consistent with international standards.
Minister Ateny said the private sector will play an important role in building a connected and inclusive digital economy. Yakani said safety, rights and digital education must also be part of this process, especially as more services move online.
If passed, the Data Protection Act would place South Sudan in line with regional approaches, including Kenya’s data protection rules and the African Union’s Malabo Convention on cyber security.
A short overview of the two key upcoming laws is shown below:
| Proposed Law | Purpose | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cybercrime and Abuse of Computer Bill 2025 | Address online offences and misuse of digital systems | Passed by parliament, pending presidential assent |
| Data Protection Bill 2026 | Protect personal data and regulate information use | To be drafted and introduced in 2026 |
