Laws would be bolstered to deter vandalism and hacking of critical infrastructure, an official said on Thursday after the Executive Yuan approved proposed legislative amendments.
The amendments, which are pending approval by the legislature, would “deter illegal activities” attempting to compromise equipment and facilities related to national security or providing economic and social functions, Office of Homeland Security Director Ho Ta-jen (何達仁) told a news conference in Taipei.
The changes would allow for heavier penalties, including a life sentence, for anyone found guilty of deliberately damaging or hacking critical infrastructure, Ho said.
Photo: CNA
The penalties must be “relative” to the damage caused to society, he said.
The proposed law changes follow the severing of two Chunghwa Telecom undersea data cables linking Taiwan proper and Lienchiang County in February, allegedly by Chinese vessels.
Taiwanese authorities have said the cables were cut by accident.
The Cabinet’s proposed rules say that anyone who damages or hacks equipment in hospitals, science parks or financial institutions would face one to seven years in prison, as well as a fine of up to NT$5 million (US$164,225).
The same penalties would be imposed on those responsible for impairing public facilities related to energy and water supply, transportation and telecommunications, the proposed amendments say.
If an act of vandalism or hacking is ruled to “endanger national security and social stability,” those responsible would face three to 10 years in prison, along with a fine of up to NT$50 million, they say.
If there are fatalities caused by such action, the punishment would be a minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in jail, along with a fine of up to NT$100 million, they say.
Currently, anyone who damages an undersea cable on purpose would receive a sentence of less than two years in accordance with the Criminal Code, Ho said.
Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng (羅秉成) told reporters that the proposal would also apply to foreign nationals, although he added that it would be difficult to enforce the law in some circumstances.
In the case of underseas cables, the government would develop measures to improve patrols and law enforcement by the Coast Guard Administration, Lo said.
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