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ARTICLE · 13 FEBRUARY 2015

Privacy laws can punish Facebook revenge photos

Stacks Law Firm
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This case demonstrates that bad behaviour online or on social media is just as unacceptable as bad behaviour in person.

AustraliaPrivacy
Nathan Luke
Nathan Luke
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The woman was shocked, outraged, embarrassed and humiliated when her ex-boyfriend posted sexually explicit photos of her on Facebook. The man had 16 photos and two videos he'd taken of her during their relationship, but when she left him he posted them on social media for all to see.

It's called revenge porn. Sadly it happens far too often and the problem is getting worse. It's aimed to humiliate and hurt. Entire web sites are devoted to running such violations - described by some as internet rape. They sometimes include the victim's name and contact details. It's mean, vicious and ugly. The law has yet to properly catch up with this violation of a person's rights, but a recent court case opens new possibilities of a legal avenue to get recompense.

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