KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s government has announced sweeping reforms to its cybercrime legislation, introducing substantially harsher penalties for digital offenses targeting minors. The 2026 Cybercrimes (Amendment Act), unveiled during a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, represents a comprehensive legal response to growing concerns about children’s vulnerability in digital environments.
Dr. Andrew Wheatley, Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, detailed the legislative enhancements at the Office of the Prime Minister. The amendments specifically address the heightened risks faced by minors in cyberspace, establishing robust legal protections against online exploitation and abuse.
The revised legislation mandates severe consequences for crimes targeting individuals under 18, with judicial authorities now empowered to impose prison sentences extending up to 20 years for applicable offenses. This sentencing framework represents one of the region’s most stringent approaches to cybercrimes against children.
A pivotal aspect of the reform concerns the legal concept of consent regarding minors. The legislation explicitly states that individuals below 18 years cannot provide legal consent for the publication of intimate images, eliminating previous ambiguities in such cases.
The amendments are designed to address the rapid dissemination of harmful content across digital platforms while preventing secondary victimization of children through online channels. By strengthening enforcement mechanisms and enhancing protective measures, the government aims to create a safer digital environment for Jamaica’s youth.
Minister Wheatley emphasized that these measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to confronting digital threats against minors with serious consequences, while simultaneously adapting legal frameworks to address emerging challenges in an increasingly interconnected society.