Dear Editor,

Recently, the Jamaican Government introduced significant amendments to the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 as a deterrent against individuals who deliberately earn a living through illicit means. While this move is welcomed by citizens who are often plagued by digital swindlers, it may only address part of the problem rather than its root cause.

I say this because there is a surprisingly low rate of digital literacy among key demographics. The efficacy of the Cybercrimes Act is directly proportional to how well we understand computer systems, recognise social engineering traps set online, and consistently practise netiquette as responsible digital citizens. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) — particularly agentic AI — has gradually rendered traditional methods of storing and processing data obsolete, and it is only a matter of time before this shift becomes unavoidable.

In my candid opinion, the older generations — those born prior to 1960 — are unfortunately the most vulnerable. From time to time, being of a younger age, I am sure you have been asked by grandparents or other older relatives to operate application software (apps) on a smart TV or to troubleshoot seemingly simple issues with their computers. Regrettably, the lack of digital literacy makes them easy targets when they surf the Internet or carry out financial transactions online or at automated teller machines (ATM). It is often only after the galvanising effect of loss that awareness begins to grow.

Digital literacy, according to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Digital Literacy Task Force, is the “ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills”. The widespread use of smartphones, tablets, and portable computers has left many — especially members of the Baby Boomer generation — feeling overwhelmed. The Internet is a vast highway connecting trillions of electronic devices, and it is precisely this complexity that hackers exploit to prey on the digitally illiterate.

In 2024, tabulated data revealed that 738 million adults lacked basic literacy skills, with a significant portion residing in sub-Saharan Africa (225 million) and central and southern Asia (347 million). According to the IMD World Competitiveness Center’s 2025 Digital Competitiveness Report, Jamaica did not place within the top 70 per cent — due to either insufficient data or a lack of digital development.

Therefore, we must remediate the lack of digital awareness through the following suggestions:

1) Community-based training programmes: Expand initiatives like the National Digital Literacy Programme, which has already graduated seniors with basic digital skills.

2) Accessible, senior-friendly technology workshops: Host regular AI and digital empowerment workshops tailored to seniors, focusing on practical tasks such as using smartphones, online banking, and social media safely.

3) Simplified learning materials: Provide visual guides, checklists, and repeat sessions to reinforce learning.

4)Partnerships with telecoms and non-governmental organisations (NGOs): Collaborate with organisations like the Digicel Foundation and the Jamaica Library Service to subsidise devices and internet access for seniors.

5) Ongoing support networks: Establish “digital help desks” or hotlines where seniors can call for assistance with everyday tech issues.

Let us make a concerted effort — indeed, a renewed commitment — to improve digital literacy across our nation as we advance towards a future shaped by technological innovation.

Dujean Edwards

Educator and researcher

dujeanedwards@gmail.com