The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is strongly cautioning members of the public to
desist from putting into circulation, or causing to be circulated, any graphic images or
pornographic material, whether via social media or any other medium.
Engaging in such activity constitutes an offence under the Sexual Offences Act (Chapter 3:25).
The Act states, inter alia: Section 47 (1): It is an offence for a person to disclose a private sexual
photograph or film if the disclosure is made:
(a) without the consent of an individual who appears in the photograph or film; and
(b) with the intention of causing that individual distress.
Section 47 (9) further provides that a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable:
(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine of
$10,000, or to both; or
(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to a fine,
or both.
The public is further advised that, for the purpose of the law, it is immaterial where the offending
material originates. Once an individual shares, forwards, or otherwise disseminates such content,
they may be committing an offence.
Members of the public are also put on notice that where material is defamatory in nature, any
person who shares or republishes it may be liable for defamation. This includes dissemination
via WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), email, or any other platform.
The RT&CIPF reminds the public that online behaviour is subject to the same laws as offline
behaviour. Posting, sharing, or forwarding content that is abusive, indecent, threatening, or
intended to incite harassment, violence, or public disorder may constitute a criminal offence.
This applies even if you did not create the original content.
Additionally, online posts, messages, images, and videos can be traced, retained, and used as
evidence. Deleting such content does not remove legal liability.
“Social media is not a law-free space. We urge the public to think carefully before posting or
sharing content and to understand the serious consequences that can arise from online threats or
harmful behaviour.
We encourage members of the public to report any threatening or abusive content. Victims of
such acts are urged to come forward and seek assistance.
Incidents should be reported via 911 in emergencies or to the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842.