Penalties for cybercrime and child pornography toughened

President Ilham Aliyev approved changes to the Criminal Code (CC), adopted by Parliament on June 29.

     In particular, Chapter 30 "Cybercrime" in the CC is presented in the new edition "Cybercrime".

     According to the changes, unlawful interference with computer systems and interception of computer data will be punishable by maximum penalties of up to two years imprisonment. If these acts are committed repeatedly or by prior agreement of persons, the penalty increases to four years in prison.

     For interfering with the computer infrastructure of public facilities (public institutions, enterprises, NGOs, investment funds, credit institutions) penalties will be up to six years in prison.

   For the turnover of funds used to commit cybercrime (production, sales of special programs, equipment, and devices) penalties will be up to two years in prison. If these acts are committed repeatedly, or by prior conspiracy, the sentence is increased to four years of imprisonment.

     Falsification of computer information will be punished by a two-year prison sentence.

    Penalties for distributing child pornography have been toughened.  For manufacturing, distribution, advertising, and sale of such products a fine will be imposed between 8,000 to 10,000 manat, or imprisonment of up to five years.

    If such acts are committed repeatedly, or by prior conspiracy, or to obtain a substantial income (more than 1,000 manat) penalties  will be up to eight years in prison.—06D--