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PS 974

Para añadir un nuevo Título VI – Delitos Cibernéticos; reenumerar el actual Titulo VI como Titulo VII; reenumerar los actuales Artículos 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308 y 309, para ser reenumerados como los Artículos 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384 y 385, de la Ley Núm. 146-2012, según enmendada, conocida como “Código Penal de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de tipificar delitos cibernéticos y otros conexos de los mismos; y para otros fines relacionados

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico establishes dedicated cybercrime legal framework by adding Title VI to Penal Code, defining and penalizing digital offenses like hacking, fraud, and data breaches.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · PS 974

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 974 proposes adding a new Title VI to Puerto Rico's Penal Code specifically addressing cybercrime offenses, while renumbering the existing Title VI as Title VII and reorganizing related articles. The bill restructures the criminal code to create a dedicated legal framework for prosecuting cybercrimes and related offenses within Puerto Rico's jurisdiction.

Why is this important

As digital crimes—including hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and data breaches—increase globally, Puerto Rico would join jurisdictions establishing specific legal protections and penalties. This modernizes the criminal code to address 21st-century crimes that existing statutes may not adequately cover, potentially improving law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute cybercriminals while clarifying citizens' legal obligations in digital spaces.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope uncertainty: The bill's text doesn't specify which cybercrime offenses are included, raising questions about what conduct will actually be criminalized and whether definitions align with international standards or other U.S. jurisdictions
  • Due process concerns: Creating new criminal categories requires clear definitions to ensure citizens understand prohibited conduct; vague cybercrime statutes can lead to overreach or arbitrary enforcement
  • Balance with privacy rights: Cybercrime prosecution often requires digital surveillance and data access; lawmakers must ensure investigative tools don't disproportionately infringe on citizens' privacy or enable government overreach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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