Moldova Criminalizes Online Abuse

Moldova is criminalizing online abuse with new provisions aimed at protecting women and girls in the digital environment. From February 2026, a law introducing stricter penalties for online stalking and harassment will come into effect.

The amendments define "digital violence" as any act of harm through information technology or electronic communications, including "malicious content" such as sexist, threatening, or defamatory material online.

Stalking and harassment via technological means become criminal offenses, with prison sentences of up to two years, or three if the perpetrator is a family member. The provisions cover all forms of surveillance, repeated attempts at communication, and monitoring of residence or workplace.

These changes are the result of collaboration between the Parliament of Moldova, the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women (ANPCV), UN Women, UNFPA, the Council of Europe, and civil society organizations. The ANPCV is planning training for police officers, prosecutors, and judges to implement the new law.

In Moldova, over 65% of women over 18 who use the internet have experienced some form of digital violence.