Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
While the internet and the electronic devices used to access it are undeniably useful, there is a darker side to the World Wide Web. Online ‘revenge’ attacks are being made to tarnish reputations and cause emotional distress.
Some websites even allow people to post explicit images of former partners, either obtained consensually or stolen from online accounts.
Advances in technology, particularly smart phones with cameras, and the growth of social media has made it easier to film and distribute such material. As such, law-makers around the world are looking for ways to crack down on the practice.
In many cases, a partner legally obtains incriminating images during the couple’s relationship before sharing them following a break-up.
There are also an increasing number of embittered former partners hacking images and footage from people’s phones, computers or electronic devices.
A number of websites have been created to provide platforms for this material to be posted and distributed.
Sometimes on these sites, alongside the explicit content, the subject’s name, social network identities, where they live and even where they work are also posted.
The practice has already been outlawed in nine US states, including California and New Jersey, with many of these states making it illegal for people to distribute intimate images without consent that may cause lasting distress or damage.
In Europe, a German Court in May ruled that intimate photographs of partners should be deleted if a partner requests they be removed. The decision by the German High Court came after a divorced man refused to delete erotic images of his former wife following their split. He was taken to court by his former wife who won her case and saw the pictures deleted.
There are calls to make it illegal in the UK and victims and support groups are urging the government to take action.
Kevin Bollaert is accused of running so-called ‘revenge porn’ website UGotPosted and changemyreputation.com, a second site which offered to remove the images for about $300 each.
He faces identity theft charges as UGotPosted included victims’ locations, names and links to Facebook profiles.
The 27-year-old has pleaded not guilty. He is also charged with obtaining identifying information with the intent to annoy or harass.
As reported in GulfWeekly, the Bahrain cyber-crime unit has been tackling complaints from the public and private sector about abusive and threatening emails, slander and hacking of accounts.
A draft law is being discussed in parliament, which could impose a maximum fine of up to BD100,000 on hackers.
* If you are being targeted, contact 999 and the authorities will direct you to the cyber-crime unit. As for public companies that want to report a violation, call the Criminal Investigation Department on 17718888 to make an appointment.
