Senator the Hon. Angelica O’Donoghue has thrown her support behind the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2026, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda’s legal framework must evolve to address the growing threat of cybercrime and other technology-driven offences.

Making her maiden contribution in the Senate, O’Donoghue said crime has changed significantly in recent years and lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure legislation keeps pace with technological advancements while protecting citizens, businesses and public institutions.

Describing cybercrime as one of the defining criminal challenges of the modern era, the senator said law enforcement agencies must be equipped with the legal tools needed to investigate increasingly sophisticated electronic offences without compromising appropriate judicial oversight.

Drawing from personal experience, O’Donoghue revealed that she had previously been the victim of a major cyberattack in which both her personal and business digital platforms were compromised and sold to third parties. She said the incident exposed the emotional and financial consequences cybercrime can have on victims and underscored the need for stronger legislation.

“Crime in 2026 is no longer limited to housebreaking or physical assault,” she told the Upper House. “The crime that we now face is increasingly electronic in nature, and our legislation must keep pace with that reality.”

During her presentation, the senator outlined several key provisions contained in the amendment, explaining that the legislation expands cooperation among law enforcement agencies, updates investigative powers to reflect modern digital storage systems, strengthens judicial oversight through court-authorised production orders, and introduces tougher penalties for individuals who fail to comply with lawful requests during criminal investigations.

She said criminals increasingly operate through complex digital networks, making collaboration between investigative agencies essential in combating electronic crime.

O’Donoghue also defended the enhanced penalties proposed in the bill, arguing that they are proportionate when compared to the financial losses and personal harm suffered by victims of online fraud, identity theft, cyberbullying and other electronic offences.

She noted that a daily penalty of $5,000 for failing to comply with a lawful production order is modest when measured against the hundreds of thousands of dollars many victims lose through online scams and financial fraud.

The senator further pointed to ongoing public awareness campaigns by financial institutions and the Antigua and Barbuda Bankers Association as evidence that cybercrime has become a growing national concern requiring a coordinated legislative response.

In concluding her remarks, O’Donoghue commended the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Members of Parliament for advancing legislation designed to address the realities of an increasingly digital society.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to making legislation accessible and understandable to the public while ensuring Parliament continues to modernise the country’s legal framework.

“Every generation of Parliament has a responsibility to leave our laws better than how we met them,” she said. “It is our responsibility to ensure our legislation prepares our citizens for the future.”

The Senate later approved the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2026 as part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s legal framework in response to emerging technological and cybercrime threats.