Costa Rica: Computer Crime Law Could Affect Journalists

The new law, "Ley de Delitos Informáticos" could affect or limit the work of journalists, in particular investigative reporting, according to the Colegio de Periodistas (Colper) - Association of Journalists in Costa Rica.

Last week the legislation was approved by legislators and signed on Tuesday by presidenta Laura Chinchilla.

The Colegio says that several articles of the new law has generated controversy among journalists, who believe that the new law constitutes a restriction on access of information of public interest.

The new law amends several articles of the Codigo Penal (Criminal Code), such as corruption, violation of correspondence and communication, violation of personal data, extortion, computer fraud and espionage.

The Colegio said it is preparing a study on the effects of the Criminal Code reform as it pertains to work by journalists and will be calling on directors of the different media to discuss the issue.

Rodolfo Ibarra, president of the Colegio, told the media that his concern is for some loopholes could existing in some of the articles with respect to personal data, computer hacking and espionage.

The Presidenta, on signing the document, commented that "this is not a law product of improvisation but rather has been in discussion for a long time and was in the legislative process for years. The formation of the law included people knowledgeable on the subject and a broad agreemet of different sectors of the population".