The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is issuing a strong warning to members of the public about the serious criminal consequences of accessing, requesting, downloading, possessing or distributing child sexual abuse material through online platforms.
In a public advisory issued Thursday, November 12, 2026, the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit warned that social media networks and digital services are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation by individuals seeking to access or circulate sexually abusive material involving children.
The warning specifically identifies platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, Telegram, Discord and Roblox, as well as online gaming platforms, livestreaming services and file-sharing websites.
The RVIPF reminded the public that offences involving child abuse material are addressed under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, 2014, as amended.
Those convicted face substantial penalties, including:
- On summary conviction: A fine of up to US$250,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both.
- On conviction on indictment: A fine of up to US$500,000, imprisonment for up to 15 years, or both.
The police are making it clear that criminal liability is not limited to the person who originally creates or distributes such material. Individuals who request, download, save, purchase, possess or forward these images and videos may also face prosecution.
The public is specifically cautioned against forwarding explicit images involving minors to friends, relatives or group chats, even under the pretence of alerting others to the content. Private messages, disappearing messages and online gaming platforms do not provide protection from criminal prosecution.
Anyone who encounters suspected child sexual abuse material is urged to report it directly to the relevant online platform and the RVIPF. The material should not be forwarded, reposted or redistributed, even when the intention is to warn others.
The Force is also calling on parents, guardians, educators and community leaders to have open conversations with children about online safety, inappropriate requests, online grooming, exploitation and the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour.
The RVIPF stressed that protecting children from online sexual exploitation is a shared responsibility requiring vigilance from families, communities and the wider public.
The message is clear: Think before you click. Stop before you share. Protect our children.