Legal definitions
The Constitution of Timor-Leste uses the term “children” without a definition, and similarly does not define child or minor. A 2023 law on the Protection of Children and Youth in Danger defines “child or young person” as a person under 17 years old. Both the Penal Code and the resolution ratifying the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography reference the term “child” (and “minor” in the Penal Code) but, like the Constitution, do not provide a definition.
Concepts related to child sexual exploitation, sexually explicit conduct, and child sexual abuse are explicitly defined in related laws. Child pornography or CSAM is defined and could be understood to encompass computer-generated or GAI CSAM. Enticement, grooming, and sextortion are undefined but associated conduct is subject to prosecution under other existing laws.
Aside from the age of majority being 17 years, the legal age of consent for sexual activity is not explicitly defined.
Regulatory requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to screen, moderate, detect, or identify CSAM or other online child sexual exploitation content on their platforms. Under certain circumstances related to the severity of harm or threat of harm to a child, online platforms may be required to report conduct of which they are aware. Similarly, under some circumstances online platforms may be required to remove certain content (such as CSAM related to a human trafficking offense).
Age verification requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to implement any method of age verification before a user can access their services.
Parental consent requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to obtain parental consent before allowing a child to access their services.
Legal remedies for child victims
There are generally few legal remedies available to child victims in Timor-Leste. Courts may issue injunctions or another court order to prevent further harm, such as restraining orders or blocking access to certain websites, but those orders cannot prevent CSAM from being published. Victims may be entitled to compensation from offenders for physical or psychological harms, and they can access government-run programs for medical and psychological support services.
"Safety by Design" requirements
Online platforms are not required to incorporate “Safety by Design” into their systems.