Trapped on the Internet: Sextortion
The term 'sextortion' may not sound immediately familiar, but the name 'Eveline' might? This person extorted some well-known Flemings in September 2020 by spreading their nude photos and videos on the Internet, under the pseudonym 'Eveline'. Unfortunately, this is just one of many cases of sextortion that occur on the Internet and social media such as Snapchat and Instagram.
The era of social media in which we currently find ourselves unfortunately brings with it many new forms of (sexual) crimes, such as, for example, the phenomenon of "sextortion. Here young people, but also adults, are persuaded via the Internet to send intimate images of themselves. The victim is then forced to pay money or send more intimate images; if not, the extortionist threatens to distribute the forwarded images.
The distributing sexually explicit content without consent is criminalized by Article 417/9 of the Criminal Code. This includes displaying, accessing or distributing visual or audio content of a bare person or a person performing an explicit sexual act without the person's consent or without the person's knowledge, even if the person has consented to its creation.
The sharp increase in reports of sextortion made to Child Focus shows that young people in particular are being targeted by sexual extortionists. However, when it comes to the dissemination of intimate images of a minor, hangs here a considerable higher penalization attached to it than when it involves intimate images of an adult. For example, distributing sexually explicit content of a minor qualifies as distributing child pornography, which could result in a harsher sentence.
Although the Internet has become an indispensable part of our society and can be a fine way to have contact with other people, unfortunately it also has a downside. Therefore, it is important to always consider who you are in contact with on the Internet. Sharing intimate photos or videos with someone you trust is not punishable if it is done of your own free will and with mutual consent, but always be careful.
Were you a victim of sexual extortion, or are you being accused of it? If so, do not hesitate to contact our sex specialists at Bannister Lawyers at 03/369.28.00 or info@bannister.be.
