The media also asked Alpuche about how the work of her ministry will be enhanced by the passage of the Cybercrime Bill of 2020.
The extensive piece of legislation seeks to outlaw cyberbullying and other types of internet based offences.
Very soon, the police will be able to prosecute those who release videos and pictures of adults and minors engaging in private acts, simply because they want to humiliate the victim.
But, the new law will also empower police to go after perpetrators of identity theft, child solicitation on the internet, electronic fraud, and the infringement of copyright patents, designs, and trademarks, among other things. Belizeans will have also have to start thinking carefully about what they post on social media platforms because they could find themselves violating this new law.
Yesterday, the Human Development CEO told the press about how the cybercrime bill aids her ministry in trying to seek redress on behalf of the victims of these electronic crimes:
Judith Alpuche - CEO, Ministry of Human Development
"It's something - especially in terms of the cyberbullying part - if you recall, it's something that we had been advocating for along with the Special Envoy's Office. In particular - because it's a more comprehensive bill than we were initially interested in. But, it makes sense for it to be altogether. So, we're very happy about the cyberbullying part because that was a huge gap in terms of protection. It brings our legal protection framework in line with technology and modern times. So that one, we're very pleased about."
"Already, there was some - and that will work along with other piece of legislation like under the commercial sexual exploitation of children, and even the sexual offenses portion of the criminal code that speaks to the issue of child pornography. But, this will help will help us with the issue of 'revenge porn', and the extortion that comes along with that. So, we're ecstatic."
Reporter
"What about blasting people on Belize Buy and Sell on Facebook? [They] put out nude pictures under a fake profile."
Judith Alpuche
"Yeah, and that's why it gets complicated. But, along with everything else, we have been - you know. Since we started talking about cyberbullying and so for - and even before that - there has been support from the OAS - and from other entities as well - in terms of training for the police and others on how do you investigate these kinds of things and track it back to people, so that we can hold them responsible."
