Legislative Gaps in Cybercrime Laws: A Comparative Analytical Study between Sudan and International Standards (Qatar as a Model)

Abstract

Abstract:

This study examines the relationship between cybersecurity and its governing legal framework, analyzing the legal, social, and economic impacts resulting from the growing cyber threats in the context of digital transformation and the discovery of legislative gaps that contribute to the rise in cybercrime rates.

Cybersecurity has become a central issue requiring an effective legal response to counter threats targeting digital systems and information infrastructure.

The study highlights the capacity of Sudanese legislation—particularly the Cybercrimes Acts of 2007 and 2018—to address these challenges. It also draws upon the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as an advanced international model for data protection and privacy. Additionally, the State of Qatar was selected as a contemporary Arab example of cyber legislation, allowing for a comparative analysis between the two models and the identification of legislative gaps and the urgent need to update the legal framework in line with technological and human rights developments.

The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology to evaluate legal texts and identify legislative shortcomings and gaps that contribute to the rise of cybercrime. It concludes with a call to review current laws, enhance international cooperation, and develop specialized legal training in order to establish an effective legal system that safeguards information security and individual rights in the digital environment.