Online safety & content laws in Trinidad and Tobago (2026)

The Cybercrime Act 2018 replaced the Computer Misuse Act (Ch. 11:17) and criminalises illegal computer access, interception, revenge pornography, online child sexual abuse material, hate speech, and harmful online communications. It is the primary instrument governing online conduct.

Part IV of the Cybercrime Act 2018 limits liability for conduit, caching, and hosting providers: ISPs are not required to proactively monitor content but must expeditiously remove illegal material upon receiving a lawful notice or court order.

The Data Protection Act 2011 regulates collection, storage, and use of personal data by public and private bodies including online platforms, but imposes no specific duty of care for platform safety or content moderation.

The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), established under the Telecommunications Act Ch. 47:31, regulates ISPs and broadcasting. TATT has issued a net-neutrality discussion paper but holds no specific online-safety mandate over social media platforms.

In January 2026 the Prime Minister announced an intention to ban social media access for children under 12. As of May 2026, no legislation has been introduced and no age-verification mechanism has been specified; experts have questioned enforcement feasibility.

There are no government restrictions on internet access or mass content blocking. However, Freedom House (2025) and RSF flag chilling effects from the Cybercrime Act's broad harmful-communications and defamation provisions, with journalists and bloggers warned of potential legal action.