The Cybercrime Act, 2020 (Act No. 32 of 2020)
October 2020
National Regulations
The Cybercrime Act, 2020 (Act No. 32 of 2020) of Belize establishes a legal framework to address crimes committed through computer systems and digital networks. It defines a wide range of offences, including illegal access to computer systems and data, data and system interference, identity theft, computer-related forgery and fraud, child luring online, and the publication of private images without consent. It also criminalises cyber harassment, online extortion, and the use of computers to infringe on intellectual property rights.
The Act sets out enforcement mechanisms such as storage, search and seizure warrants, production and preservation orders, and remote forensic tools, allowing authorities to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes effectively. It includes provisions for international cooperation, covering mutual legal assistance, extradition, and transborder access to computer data with consent.
Additionally, the law places obligations on service providers to store traffic and subscriber data, and it recognises liability for corporations and individuals involved in cyber offences.