Legislation Details
- Full Title: Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware
- Law Type: Cabinet Resolution
- Law Number: No. (13) of 2023
- Issued Date: 02 Mar 2023
- Effective Date: 02 Mar 2023
- Official Gazette: No. 747
- Sector: Telecommunication, Technology and Space
- Status: Active
- Number of Articles: 16
- Chapters/Parts: 0
- Amendments: 0
Summary
This Cabinet Resolution establishes the "Cyber Threats and Malicious Software Committee" to combat cyber threats and malware in the United Arab Emirates. The Committee is responsible for proposing relevant legislation, coordinating with authorities, maintaining a unified data record, and raising awareness on cyber threats and malicious software. The Resolution defines key terms, outlines the Committee's composition and powers, and specifies financial and administrative provisions. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 1-8) The Resolution is a significant step in the UAE's efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity framework and protect government agencies, businesses, and individuals from the growing threat of cyber attacks and malicious software. By centralizing coordination and empowering a dedicated committee, the UAE aims to enhance its ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats in a comprehensive manner. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 1-8)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The Cabinet Resolution establishes the "Cyber Threats and Malicious Software Committee" to combat cyber threats and malware in the United Arab Emirates. The Committee is responsible for studying and proposing relevant legislation, coordinating with authorities, maintaining a unified data record, and raising awareness on cyber threats and malicious software. The Resolution applies to all federal and local government agencies in the UAE that may be exposed to cyber risks and threats. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 1-3, 6)
What are the key definitions under this law?
The Resolution provides the following key definitions:
- State: United Arab Emirates
- Minister: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court
- Committee: The Cyber Threats and Malicious Software Committee established under this Resolution
- Concerned Authorities: Federal or Local Authorities concerned with Electronic and Cybersecurity affairs in the UAE
- Cyber Threats: Risks that a person (natural or legal) faces on the electronic network, which may be deliberate and planned to expose, change, disable, destroy, steal, or gain unauthorized access to assets, systems, infrastructure, electronic networks, or information
- Malicious Software: Software or applications that infect computers, electronic systems, or networks with the aim of violating their confidentiality, integrity, accuracy, and availability of data, blocking or obstructing access, encrypting files, or preventing the use of a computer or disabling it or illegally accessing systems
(Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The Resolution imposes the following key obligations: 1. Federal and local government agencies exposed to cyber risks, threats, and malicious software must notify the Committee as soon as possible and cooperate in implementing the Committee's directives and instructions to deal with the situation. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 6) 2. The Committee must establish a special and unified data record on cyber threats and malicious software and related crimes. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 3(4)) 3. The Committee must contribute to spreading culture and awareness regarding cyber threats and malicious software. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 3(7))
Which authorities or bodies are responsible for enforcement?
The Cabinet Resolution establishes the "Cyber Threats and Malicious Software Committee" to be responsible for combating cyber threats and malicious software in the UAE. The Committee is chaired by the Head of Cybersecurity of the UAE Government and includes representatives from the following agencies as members: - Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS) - Ministry of Defence - Ministry of Interior - Ministry of Justice - Federal Public Prosecution - Signals Intelligence Agency (SIA) - Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) - Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) - Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) The Minister may also add other agencies to the Committee's membership. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 2)
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
The Cabinet Resolution cites the following UAE laws as its legal basis: - The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates - Federal Law No. (1) of 1972, Concerning the Competences of Ministries and the Capacities of Ministers, and its amendments - Federal Decree-Law No. (4) of 2004, Establishing and Regulating the Presidential Court, and its amendments The Resolution does not explicitly repeal or amend any other UAE legislation. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Preamble)
When did this law come into effect?
The Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware came into effect on the date of its issuance, which is 02 March 2023. The Resolution was published in the Official Gazette No. 747 on 13 March 2023. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware, 2023, Art. 8)
Source Documents
This article analyses Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Committee for Preventing Cyber Threats and Malware for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.