Senator warns of cyber-security threats Independent Senator Paul Richards. - INDEPENDENT Senator Paul Richards commended government for its proposal to remove taxes from mobile devices, laptops, etc from 2021, but urged it to be cautious of a potential increase in cyber-security threats if this is not properly managed. Richards was speaking in the Senate on Tuesday afternoon, when the Finance Bill 2020 was being debated. Clause six of this bill aims to “amend Schedule (two) of the VAT Act to provide a zero-rate tax allowance to laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, mobile and digital equipment, cell phones, software, accessories and peripherals.”