Definition of Data

“Data” is defined as representations of information or of concepts that are being prepared or have been prepared in a form suitable for use in a computer

Main Focus of Document

To make provisions for securing computer material against unauthorised access or modification

Target Beneficiaries or Sector

General Public

Key Elements

The Act sets out notable details on penalties for unauthorised access to and modification of computers, computer material and computer services. Authorised access to computers with the intention to commit or facilitate the commission of an offence is also punishable under the CMA. 

The CMA was amended in 2007 and 2017 to introduce three key provisions: (i) Offences for the illegal supply of personal information obtained in contravention of CMA provisions (e.g. use of personal information obtained through computer hacking to facilitate crimes such as identity fraud); (ii) offences for obtaining items used in the commission of CMA offences (e.g. computer programs, hackware, passwords and access codes); and (iii) expand the CMA’s jurisdiction to allow for extraterritorial application of CMA offences with “serious harm” in Singapore. 

Policy/Regulation Mirrors

Computer Misuse Acts