The legal framework
The Cybercrimes Act 2015 criminalises the use of a computer to send data that is obscene, threatening or menacing with intent to harass. Related offences under the Sexual Offences Act and the Child Pornography (Prevention) Act apply where the material is sexual or involves a minor, and the Data Protection Act 2020 covers identifiable images.
Key points
| Statute | Cybercrimes Act 2015, malicious communication offences |
|---|---|
| Sexual material | Sexual Offences Act and Child Pornography (Prevention) Act |
| Data protection | Data Protection Act 2020 |
| Constitution | Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms |
| Reporting | JCF Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division |
| Civil route | Claim for breach of confidence and constitutional redress |
| Intent to harass | The malicious communication offence requires it, which shapes the evidence needed |
| Children | Separate and far more serious offences apply |
In practice
- Save the evidence before reporting: screenshots with the URL and date, the account name, and any messages.
- Use the platform's own reporting form first — it is the fastest route to removal — then report to the authority.
- Use StopNCII.org or Take It Down for intimate images: they create a digital fingerprint so participating platforms can block re-uploads without you sending the image anywhere.
- Do not pay a person demanding money to delete an image: payment almost always leads to further demands.
- Gather evidence of the sender's intent: messages, threats and prior conduct.
Where to go
- JCF Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division.
- Office of the Children's Advocate where a minor is involved.
- Legal Aid Council.
Worth knowing
Jamaica has no statute dedicated to non-consensual intimate imagery between adults: cases are built on the malicious communication offence, so evidence of intent to harass matters. Because the offence requires intent to harass, surrounding messages often matter more than the image itself. Preserve the whole exchange.
Official sources and links
- UN Human Rights Office — ratified treaties and country reviews
- ILO NATLEX — national legislation database