Cyber Clearances: Courts Cancel Cases Under Digital Security Law

The Advisory Council has approved amendments to the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, effectively nullifying all cases filed under the 2018 Digital Security Act. The decision was taken at a council meeting held on Thursday, September 9, presided over by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.

During the meeting, the proposal to amend Section 50 of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 was formally approved.

Afterwards, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor and in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, informed journalists that “all cases filed under the 2018 Digital Security Act have been annulled. As a result, those convicted and previously charged under the law are now released.”

The press briefing further explained that the ordinance’s amendment stipulates that any ongoing or pending cases, investigations, or proceedings under Sections 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 31 of the 2018 Digital Security Act—including offenses related to aiding and abetting the crimes outlined in these sections—shall be canceled. “No further action shall be taken against any individuals, and all penalties or fines previously imposed under these sections by any court or tribunal shall be considered null and void,” the ordinance specifies.

In addition to the Cyber Security Ordinance amendment, the Personal Data Protection Ordinance 2025 and the National Data Protection Ordinance 2025 were also approved, strengthening safeguards for citizens’ personal information.

Regarding these measures, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb stated, “The Personal Data Protection Ordinance 2025 has been introduced to ensure confidentiality, integrity, security, and protection of personal data, while also upholding fairness, interoperability, and the potential of the digital economy. It aims to encourage responsible innovation and address related challenges.”

The press conference was attended by ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.