New Cybercrime Amendments Aim to Bolster Digital Security and Privacy

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin will table the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in Parliament today, introducing stronger regulations to enhance digital investigations and protect citizens’ online privacy.

The Bill updates Section 18 of the Electronic Crimes Act, 2013, which governs the use of Production Orders — legal directives allowing investigators to obtain digital evidence in cyber-related cases. The amendments set out clear procedures for granting and serving such orders, define how information must be provided, and strengthen data protection rules to prevent abuse.

It also introduces higher penalties for non-compliance, ensuring that entities and individuals who fail to cooperate with lawful investigations face greater accountability.

Sir Steadroy said the changes are critical to keeping Antigua and Barbuda’s laws in step with evolving digital threats.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader series of reforms being discussed today in Parliament, as the Government works to modernize its legal framework and strengthen national resilience against emerging threats.