Italy government proposes tougher jail terms for cybercriminals
Reuters – Giuseppe Fonte And Alvise Armellini, Editing By Keith Weir
Italy’s government is preparing to introduce a draft law aimed at imposing stricter penalties for cybercrime and setting forth enhanced disclosure regulations for public entities experiencing cyber attacks.
Under the proposed legislation, penalties for unauthorized access to IT systems would increase, with jail terms ranging from two to 12 years based on factors such as the use or threat of force, involvement of public officials, and the potential threats to national security or public interest.
This represents a significant increase from the current penalties, which range from one to eight years.
Additionally, the new law offers reduced sentences of up to two-thirds for cybercriminals who collaborate with law enforcement agencies.
The draft bill also requires public entities targeted by hackers to promptly report such incidents to the National Cybersecurity Agency within 24 hours.
Subsequently, these entities must implement security measures recommended by the agency within 15 days, with the risk of facing fines should the recommendations not be adhered to.
The legislation is part of a broader trend of laws that have increased penalties for various offenses, aligning with the Italian government’s approach to prioritizing law and order and security under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration.
Link: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/italy-government-proposes-tougher-jail-terms-cybercriminals-2024-01-24/