Most people know that pornography is a controversial subject. But there is an even more controversial and widely misunderstood form of pornography known as “blackmail porn”. This type of porn involves the production and distribution of pornographic material which has been obtained by blackmailing someone or coercing them into performing sexual acts on camera. So, is blackmail porn illegal? Let’s take a look.
What is Porn Blackmail?
Blackmail porn also known as online sextortion is a type of online abuse that involves sharing sexually explicit images or videos without the permission of the person in them. Victims may be threatened with the release of these materials if they do not comply with requests such as paying money or performing other acts. In some cases, victims may not even be aware that such material exists until it is shared by their abuser.
Blackmail porn is a form of non-consensual pornography (NCP) and can be extremely damaging to its victims. Not only does it violate their privacy, but it can also lead to public humiliation and psychological trauma.
Is Blackmail Porn Illegal?
The simple answer is yes – threatening to publicly reveal someone’s sexual content with the intention of extorting money or other valuable assets is a serious crime and a form of extortion.
The legal consequences for those who commit blackmail porn can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction. For example, in some cases, it may be considered a form of sexual assault or online harassment, which carries criminal penalties that can result in jail time, hefty fines, or both. In other jurisdictions, blackmail porn may be treated as a civil offense that can result in financial penalties for the perpetrator.
Here are examples of laws that protect victims from this type of crime:
S.376 of the Criminal Code Act
Any person who publishes, or threatens to publish, or offers to abstain from publishing, or offers to prevent the publication of defamatory matter, with intent to extort money or other property, or with intent to induce any person to give, confer, procure, or attempt to procure, to, upon, or for, any person, any property or benefit of any kind, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
S.23 (2) Cybercrime Act, 2015
Any person who knowingly makes or sends other pornographic images to another computer by way of unsolicited distribution shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be sentenced to one-year imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira or both. Also, S. 24. Of the Cybercrime Act further provides;
Any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter by means of computer systems or network that:
- (a) is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character or causes any such message or matter to be so sent;
- (b)…commits an offence under this Act and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not more than N7,000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 3 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
How Do You Protect Yourself from It?
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is attempting to extort you with intimate images or videos, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself legally and emotionally. The most important thing is to document everything — including any conversations you have had with the perpetrator — so you have evidence should you need it later on.
Additionally, it is important to seek out legal advice from an attorney who specializes in cases involving non-consensual content; they will be able to provide you with guidance about how best to proceed. Similarly, consider seeking out counseling if necessary; talking through your experience with a professional can help you process your emotions and develop strategies for moving forward after being victimized by blackmail online.
Conclusions
Non-consensual content such as blackmail porn is illegal and has become an increasingly prevalent problem recently due largely to advances in technology that make it easier for people to access and share intimate images without consent.
Although laws regarding this type of activity vary significantly by jurisdiction, there are steps individuals can take both before and after they find themselves victims of blackmail porn — from documenting conversations with perpetrators and seeking legal advice from an attorney specializing in NC cases to seeking emotional support from professionals such as counselors and therapists when needed.
By being aware of the potential consequences associated with this type of activity — both legal and emotional — individuals can better protect themselves against becoming victims of blackmail porn going forward.
