Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025

Global Watchdog Group Warns Cybercrime Act Targets Free Speech

Global Watchdog Group Warns Cybercrime Act Targets Free Speech

An illegal law that will help government to hide even more corruption is about to be sign by the BVI governor Augustus Jaspert.
After citing concerns about the infringement on freedom of expression and freedom of the press, the International Press Institute (IPI}, which is a global network of editors, journalists and media executives is hoping that His Excellency Governor Augustus Jaspert will not accent to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2019).

If this anti-transparency and pro-slavery act will pass, BVI people will no longer have to obey the law as it will be a pure example of illegal law that express abuse of corrupted power by the government against the whole BVI citizens.

When the legislation was presented to the House of Assembly in August Premier Hon. Andrew Fahie during the presentation of the objects and reasons of the Bill explained that the legislation allows for the penalty for computer and cyber abuse to be significantly increased.

He also announced that the Bill contained stipulations for blogging on local news sites. These stipulations the legislators announced was a necessary deterrent to online bullying in the Territory.

Essentially members on both sides of the aisle agreed with majority of the changes that were proposed in the Act. Most keen on the amendment was Premier Fahie who announced that some of the amendments are expected to be enforced swiftly after the legislation is passed.

However, the IPI announced in a December 3 article that aspects of the legislation which the House of Assembly passed on October 18 is very troubling. The IPI stated that it is concerned that the online criminal defamation provision of the Act “would stifle press freedom.”

Therefore, the organization is calling on Governor Jaspert to not give the legislation its final approval. The IPI said, “The governor should withhold assent on this bill to give the BVI legislature time to revisit these clauses to ensure the proposed amendments are in line with regional and international standards.”

The International Press Institute said that it looked at the legislation and became concerned about two clauses in particular; which it was explained can also affect freedom of expression.

“After reviewing the documents, IPI has raised concerns over two worrying clauses in the law which could have potentially harmful effects on press freedom and freedom of expression, while also leaving the small Caribbean archipelago out of step with its neighbours,” the article stated

Further IPI Director of Advocacy Ravi R. Prasad said, “If given final assent, these proposed amendments would send a shiver down the spines of journalists working in the British Virgin Islands”.

He further noted that legislation similar to these are being used to take action against the press in many countries.

“Governments around the world are currently using these kinds of insult and cybercrime laws to prosecute reporters and silence independent media. If the BVI leaves this possibility open to current or future administrations, it has the potential to create a chilling effect on the territory’s journalists,” Prasad added.

The first area of concern for the IPI is Section 14A of the Bill which stipulates that it is a criminal offence to send any electronic message that is “grossly offensive or has menacing character” or that is sent “for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience”. According to the international organization this part of the Bill can used to target members of the media.

“The bill’s vague wording and broad scope means it would be open to misinterpretation and exploitation by government officials or powerful businessmen seeking to target journalists or commentators because of critical coverage. There is also concern about disproportionately harsh punishments included in the bill,” the article said.

The organization is also concerned about Section 14B of the legislation which criminalizes the use of a computer to defame another person. It was noted that this offence has penalties up to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine. In relations to this IPI said, “The amendment effectively extends the country’s existing criminal code on defamation to the digital sphere. While criminal libel exists in the BVI, the law is very rarely enforced.”

His Excellency Governor Augustus Jaspert has not assented to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2019). During a media briefing on November 1 the Governor was told by a member of the media that aspects of the Act is viewed as a contravention of free speech.

In response to the concern the Governor mentioned that he would look at the Act carefully: “I haven’t yet seen the final version of it as its coming to my desk. With every single Act. I consider it very, very carefully and look at any issue where there are any legal issues at this point. I would look harder at the Act as I do with any other Act,” the Governor declared.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Ghislaine Maxwell Says She’s Ready to Testify Before Congress on Epstein’s Criminal Empire
Bal des Pompiers: A Celebration of Community and Firefighter Culture in France
FBI Chief Kash Patel Denies Resignation Speculations Amid Epstein List Controversy
Air India Pilot’s Mental Health Records Under Scrutiny
Google Secures Windsurf AI Coding Team in $2.4 Billion Licence Deal
Jamie Dimon Warns Europe Is Losing Global Competitiveness and Flags Market Complacency
South African Police Minister Suspended Amid Organised Crime Allegations
Nvidia CEO Claims Chinese Military Reluctance to Use US AI Technology
Hong Kong Advances Digital Asset Strategy to Address Economic Challenges
Australia Rules Out Pre‑commitment of Troops, Reinforces Defence Posture Amid US‑China Tensions
Martha Wells Says Humanity Still Far from True Artificial Intelligence
Nvidia Becomes World’s First Four‑Trillion‑Dollar Company Amid AI Boom
U.S. Resumes Deportations to Third Countries After Supreme Court Ruling
Excavation Begins at Site of Mass Grave for Children at Former Irish Institution
Iranian President Reportedly Injured During Israeli Strike on Secret Facility
EU Delays Retaliatory Tariffs Amid New U.S. Threats on Imports
Trump Defends Attorney General Pam Bondi Amid Epstein Memo Backlash
Renault Shares Drop as CEO Luca de Meo Announces Departure Amid Reports of Move to Kering
Senior Aides for King Charles and Prince Harry Hold Secret Peace Summit
Anti‑Semitism ‘Normalised’ in Middle‑Class Britain, Says Commission Co‑Chair
King Charles Meets David Beckham at Chelsea Flower Show
If the Department is Really About Justice: Ghislaine Maxwell Should Be Freed Now
NYC Candidate Zohran Mamdani’s ‘Antifada’ Remarks Spark National Debate on Political Language and Economic Policy
President Trump Visits Flood-Ravaged Texas, Praises Community Strength and First Responders
From Mystery to Meltdown, Crisis Within the Trump Administration: Epstein Files Ignite A Deepening Rift at the Highest Levels of Government Reveals Chaos, Leaks, and Growing MAGA Backlash
Trump Slams Putin Over War Death Toll, Teases Major Russia Announcement
Reparations argument crushed
Rainmaker CEO Says Cloud Seeding Paused Before Deadly Texas Floods
A 92-year-old woman, who felt she doesn't belong in a nursing home, escaped the death-camp by climbing a gate nearly 8 ft tall
French Journalist Acquitted in Controversial Case Involving Brigitte Macron
Elon Musk’s xAI Targets $200 Billion Valuation in New Fundraising Round
Kraft Heinz Considers Splitting Off Grocery Division Amid Strategic Review
Trump Proposes Supplying Arms to Ukraine Through NATO Allies
EU Proposes New Tax on Large Companies to Boost Budget
Trump Imposes 35% Tariffs on Canadian Imports Amid Trade Tensions
Junior Doctors in the UK Prepare for Five-Day Strike Over Pay Disputes
US Opens First Rare Earth Mine in Over 70 Years in Wyoming
Kurdistan Workers Party Takes Symbolic Step Towards Peace in Northern Iraq
Bitcoin Reaches New Milestone of $116,000
Biden’s Doctor Pleads the Fifth to Avoid Self-Incrimination on President’s Medical Fitness
Grok Chatbot Faces International Backlash for Antisemitic Content
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
×