The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force warns persons about sharing private, sexual photographs and films of others on public forums.
The RTCIPF has recently received numerous complaints about people sharing intimate images on public forums and between others without the consent of the person who appears in the imagery.
The sharing of these materials in such circumstances is a criminal offence.
Under Section 47 of the Sexual Offences Ordinance (2021): “(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.”
A person guilty of this 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 RTCIPF takes all such reports seriously and will take robust action against those involved.
If you receive the material without a request or other proactive action to acquire it, forwarding such material or otherwise sharing it could result in you being investigated and prosecuted for the offence.
Anyone possessing such material should think very carefully before forwarding or otherwise sharing it, considering its adverse impact on persons who appear in the imagery and the potential personal consequences of a criminal investigation.
