Cabinet Approves Amendment to Cybercrimes Act

Amendments to the Cybercrimes Act have been approved by Cabinet and the necessary drafting instructions have been issued to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to modify the Act.

This was disclosed by Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, during Wednesday’s (July 9) Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.

Promulgated in March 2010, the Cybercrimes Act seeks to address computer specific offences such as unauthorized interceptions, unauthorized modification of computer programmes and data, and unauthorized access.

Senator Falconer said that with the increased use of various technological devices and tools to commit sophisticated criminal activities, there have been new challenges for the existing legislation and law enforcement agencies, necessitating the review.

She added that the proposed amendments are also in keeping with recommendations to periodically review the act.

The Act’s original provisions also seek to criminalise the abuse of electronic means to complete transactions, and facilitate the investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes.