Libya's Parliamentary Committee Advances Comprehensive Cybersecurity Law to Protect Digital Space

Benghazi meeting sets foundation for first integrated legal framework addressing cyber threats and digital sovereignty

Libya's House of Representatives is moving forward with a landmark legislative initiative to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity law, as a temporary committee formed under Speaker's Decision No. (115) of 2025 convened at the National Security Council headquarters in Benghazi. The effort marks a significant step toward securing Libya's digital infrastructure and asserting national digital sovereignty.

The meeting, chaired by Member of Parliament Asma Al-Khoja, brought together government officials and security experts to discuss preparing an integrated legal framework covering communications, digital space, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty.

Committee Leadership and Membership

The committee includes Communications and Informatics Minister Salem Abdullah Al-Darsi, along with academics Dr. Hilal Hadiya Al-Muntasir and Dr. Amr Abdulnabi, with Habib Al-Kharshoufi serving as secretary. Representing the National Security Council were Brigadier Ibrik Al-Alami, Dr. Al-Mabrouk Sultan, Mohammed Bazazah, and Yahya Al-Warshafani, as confirmed by the council's media spokesperson via Facebook.

Scope of the Proposed Legislation

Discussions focused on reviewing existing communications and digital laws, identifying gaps, and determining the scope of the proposed cybersecurity law. Members emphasized that the legislation must keep pace with rapid technological developments while addressing Libya's specific security concerns. Libya currently lacks a unified cybersecurity legal framework, leaving institutions and citizens vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Libya ranks among the lower tiers in the Global Cybersecurity Index, underscoring the urgency of legislative action.

Digital Sovereignty as a Core Pillar

A central theme was digital sovereignty — Libya's right to govern its digital space, protect citizen data, and ensure national information infrastructure remains under domestic control. The committee stressed that the proposed bill should include provisions safeguarding data from foreign interference and unauthorized access.

Coordination Between Legislative and Security Bodies

A key outcome was the agreement to strengthen coordination between the committee and the National Security Council in developing digital legislation. This collaboration aims to align the proposed law with national security priorities while meeting international best practices. The committee will conduct a comprehensive study of existing laws, consult with experts, and propose amendments or new legislation as needed.

Libya's Digital Vulnerability

Libya has faced increasing cybersecurity challenges, with hacking campaigns targeting government websites, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure. The absence of a dedicated cybersecurity law has hampered prosecution of cybercriminals. The new legislation aims to define cyber offenses, establish penalties, and create a regulatory framework for digital operations. Experts note that a comprehensive cyber law would also boost investor confidence in Libya's digital economy by providing legal certainty for businesses.

Next Steps

The committee is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders before presenting a proposed law to the House of Representatives for debate and ratification. The initiative has drawn positive reactions from civil society and technology professionals, who have long called for modern cyber legislation. However, effective implementation will require significant investment in technical capacity and institutional infrastructure.

— Libya Press / News Desk