Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

New Cybercrime law must target news sites & bloggers—Hon Fraser

Speaking during the debate on amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act Deputy Premier Hon Juliam Fraser RA (R3) called for the legislation to include provisions to curb defamatory and libelous statements. Photo: YouTube
Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) called on the House of Assembly to address the issue of “harmful content” on online platforms, particularly blogs and news sites. Photo: Internet Source
Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) called on the House of Assembly to address the issue of “harmful content” on online platforms, particularly blogs and news sites. Photo: Internet Source
The HoA has been debating amendement to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act during the Continuation of the Frist Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth HoA. Photo: YouTube
The HoA has been debating amendement to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act during the Continuation of the Frist Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth HoA. Photo: YouTube
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3), has called on the House of Assembly (HoA) to address the issue of “harmful content” on online platforms, particularly blogs and news sites, as part of the ongoing debate on amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.

Speaking during the debate on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Hon Fraser called for the legislation to include provisions to curb defamatory and libelous statements, emphasising the harm such content can cause to individuals’ reputations.

“Shouldn't [besmirching an individual’s integrity] be considered harmful content as well?” Fraser asked during his presentation.

“We have situations where online news [and] bloggers get up and say anything they wish about an individual, even going as far as mentioning their names. Isn’t that harmful?” he asked the House.

Hon Fraser used the occasion to press for the need for the definition of ‘harmful content’ as proposed, to be expanded beyond its current scope, which includes child abuse material and content capable of causing psychological harm or violating public decency.

“If we’re going to talk about cybercrime, we need to put libel and defamation in that same category; Too many people are being harmed by those who are so careless and reckless as to do so.”

The Deputy Premier recounted personal experiences with defamatory content and expressed frustration at the lack of accountability for such behavior.

Acknowledging that public officials are often advised to ignore personal attacks, he insisted that the situation has become untenable saying, “As far as I am concerned, that was back then, several years ago, and this is today.”

Ambiguious Definitions

Hon Fraser additionally raised concerns over several key definitions and provisions in the bill, including the expanded definition of the term "computer."

The bill he explained proposes to include devices such as digital video recorders (DVRs), closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), and cellular phones under this definition.

Hon Fraser criticised this approach, stating, “These things should not be defined as computers.”

He instead recommended that each device be listed separately to ensure clarity. “We should not allow anyone to categorize cell phones as computers. And besides, not all cell phones are computers.”

Common Law & Law Enforcement Powers

Hon Fraser also questioned the recurring use of the term "common law" in the amendments, describing it as vague and confusing.

“What is common law? This terminology keeps showing up... and none of us, the people who are responsible for making the law, knows what it is,” he said, calling for clearer definitions and explanations.

Hon Fraser also pointed to granting police officers and external law enforcement entities greater access to data during investigations and expressed concerns over the admissibility of evidence obtained outside established procedures, emphasising the need for stricter oversight.

Int’l Cooperation & Oversight

A proposed provision allowing the Commissioner of Police to authorise external parties to assist in criminal investigations also attracted Hon Fraser’s attention.

While he expressed no objection to the concept, he insisted however, that such actions must be regulated, and questioned hypothetically, “If the Commissioner is going outside of the Territory, I think that he should get clearance.”

32 Responses to “New Cybercrime law must target news sites & bloggers—Hon Fraser”

  • akon (11/01/2025, 10:53) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply

    You stubborn Fraser need to go and move that stupid ramp jump speed bump out of the road from $%^$&&** up people.

    • Geezzz!! (12/01/2025, 15:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why don't you get brains and learn to understand. The man has made press releases indicating that the bump is only so big because of the requirement for the space under, and the high level of the sea bed. Geez. man the water must run out!! Also he indicated that the road will be paved much higher than it is, hence the speed bump will become much lower when the road is completed. Dammn it!! You people are sooo judgmental, and brainless and would not even try to connect. Just getting on blog sites and blogging your life away without even reading and informing yourselves first.
  • Wellsah (11/01/2025, 11:02) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    controversial bloggers planting seeds of accountability into these elected officials by public shaming. if you don't want your dirty laundry aired on the internet then keep your clothes clean.
    • @wellsah (12/01/2025, 10:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      The bloggers are the voices of the people. All of the ones that is doing wrong will be exposed. If you don’t want your dirty underwear to be exposed, do the right thing. Remember phones in the BVI is always open on audio and video and goes viral within seconds.
  • Hmmmm (11/01/2025, 11:16) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    And thus begins the erosion of one’s fundamental rights of free speech and freedom of expression. Eventually more draconian laws are introduced and ultimately ALL rights are suppressed.
    ¡Vigílate! Be watchful!
    • Hmmmmm (11/01/2025, 16:48) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      That right is not fundamental. Many countries don’t have that right. But in a democracy we should I agree. We take for granted certain privileges we have in this part of the world and act like it is “fundamental” when it isnt
  • WE HAVE DO MUCH PROBLEMS (11/01/2025, 11:20) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    A D THE ONLY THING PROFESSO 3D CAND YHINK OF IS " BLOGGERS " , IS THAT WHAT OUR PREMIER FIRE THE LADY FOR ? YOU NEED TO SWITCH BACK IN TO YOUR SCARECROW MODE AND COTINUE TO SCARE BIRDS
  • lmao (11/01/2025, 11:44) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply

    Fraser does not know what Common Law is? WTF? And we wonder why we are %^$#?

  • blogger (11/01/2025, 12:31) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    what ever happened to free speech
  • Xxx (11/01/2025, 12:47) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    We all get licks from blogs
  • TruDat! (11/01/2025, 12:53) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Common Law is a body of law based on judicial decisions and precedents rather than statutes or codes. It relies on the principle of stare decisis, where courts follow previous decisions in similar cases to ensure consistency and stability in the legal system
  • WTF (11/01/2025, 12:57) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    How is it that a LEGISLATOR doesn't understand common law? Let alone one that has been in the house since the 1800s.
    How is it that a LEGISLATOR is clearly not aware that we already have laws regarding libel and defamation?
  • Really (11/01/2025, 13:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Constitutional rights means no law shall for against you but of course you sheeps don't know that. The government is doing all the hacker, Cyber bullying and everything else to teach you on TV
  • 2024 (11/01/2025, 14:14) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    the majority of the stuff spoken about during the sitting have been on going for a number of years they simply want to make those movements lawful because some of the shady things have exposed during court proceedings
  • fish (11/01/2025, 14:37) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOOK LIKE FRIZER TRYING TO SHUT DOWN HIS BOY JW NEWS SITE
    • Yeah fish (11/01/2025, 21:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is what it is looking like to me.Fraser done gone and let the Deputy Premier promotion send him wong Wong.
  • All in All (11/01/2025, 14:38) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    They are trying to shut down the bloggers that is keeping them in check and calling out their dirty behaviors. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT FRASER. IT AIN’T HAPPENING.
    • @All in All (11/01/2025, 21:42) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is exactly what they are trying to do. Is Fraser and whomever came up with this is that insane? I agree, it not gonna happen. The hell, are we trying to turn into a North Korea now or what?
  • Jack Nicholson (11/01/2025, 14:49) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    He just can’t handle the truth.
  • Lb (11/01/2025, 16:49) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where was this energy to stop the Police Act????
  • I Got The Handle Now (11/01/2025, 18:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ayo won't keep off of Fraser hairstyle now he making it illegal for you to blog about it ah tell ayo leave that man alone. Yo think he easy leh he come premier then you will see what time it is. I gone before I get de jail.
  • take note (11/01/2025, 21:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Truth is the enemy of the Devil.
  • Nawwwwww Fraser (11/01/2025, 22:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let that rock and move on to something else. That S is not happening. Are you for real. Nawwwwwww, most of the time it is best to don’t disturb a sleeping dog. Don’t go sticking your hand in Pandora’s box Fraser.
  • Stealth (11/01/2025, 22:22) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Are not the rule of law, democracy, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, are the cornerstone of the VI governing process? Will politicians be held liable for what they say on the HoA floor? True, free speech is not totally free. For example , former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendel Holmes says lying intentionally about a fire in a crowded theatre is reckless and not free speech. Are there not libel and slander laws on the books? Sensitive national security issues, private and confidential information are protected information and only those who have a need to know should access to it, use it for intended purpose and protect. Misuse of such information should come with severe actions/punishments.
  • SKEL-E WAS RIGHT (11/01/2025, 23:57) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    ABOUT THE " RETARDATION THAT THE COI IS CAUSING / SO WONDER THIS DUDE AIN'T COMPLAINING ABOUT THE GUNS , THE DRUG ,THE KILLINGS , THE CORRUPTION , BUT THE BLOGGERS SEEMS TO BE CAUSING HIM SOME SORT OF PAIN ○ ¿ ○
  • tola (12/01/2025, 02:40) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fraser go and cut your hair you selfish stubborn man
  • Hg (12/01/2025, 03:03) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where is Cindy? The drama queen.
  • BVI Venezuela Maduro.. (12/01/2025, 05:57) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Be careful who we give power to. They will instill their way, their belief their convenience on us. Take us back 30, 40 yrs...
    ..
  • 2024 (12/01/2025, 08:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    look like the role of Deputy Premier is to belittle our people
  • Honestly (12/01/2025, 10:27) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Deputy Premier looks like a duck in the above picture, look at his lips..
  • Causality (12/01/2025, 11:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences
  • Eagle Eye (12/01/2025, 12:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    D3 is to be blame for this mishap. Man should have been on retirement 16 years ago.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.