Cyber criminals and hackers to face longer jail terms

Justice minister Ivo Opstelten plans to increase maximum jail terms for cyber criminals to up to five years, he told parliament on Monday.

Destroying computer data, blocking access by changing passwords and spamming will carry a maximum sentence of up to two years in jail.

More serious offences involving damaging vital infrastructure using botnets, will carry a maximum jail term of up to five years.

The new sentences stem from European legislation which Opstelten is incorporating into Dutch law. The draft legislation has now been sent out for consultation.

Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation