Trending in Jamaica News: citizens committed Cybercrimes daily without knowing.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force said Jamaicans committed cybercrimes breaches daily without knowing. Hence, detective Inspector Pilmar Powell said it is essential that citizens familiarise themselves with the law. The law was passed in 2015. Because ignorance of the law can not be used as an excuse.
She stated that many offences under the Cybercrimes Act can be breached if you use the internet maliciously or negatively to hurt someone. And if you do, you could face criminal charges.
Powell spoke on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the launch of a community WiFi service, which was activated by the non-profit, Universal Service Fund (USF) in the Pen Way community, Portmore.
She stated that malicious communication is one of the most common offences people commit under the Act. For example, people commit malicious communications if they post information about illegal activities, speak about other persons in derogatory terms, and post obscene photographs in public places.
She reiterated that the public must know that malicious communications are criminal offences. And the police are required to enforce the law if a member of the public commits such crimes. And the offences carry hefty fines, up to $4 million.
Kwan Wilson, project director at USF, said up to 200 simultaneous users will be able to connect to the Pen Way service. Which covers a radius of 800 metres with high-speed internet.
He stated that 19 public WIFi hotspots have been established under the connect Jamaica programme. The next in line for hotspot installation is the Portmore mall.
Meanwhile, the councillor for Independence City, Courtney Edwards, said there was a pressing need for WiFi service in the area.
Edwards acknowledged that it would benefit the community, especially students who need the internet to do their schoolwork.
Also speaking at the launch was Robert Miller, Member of Parliament for South East St Catherine. Miller said the government intends to make Portmore the 15th and tech parish of Jamaica. He said the installation of Public WiFi is a step in that direction.