Editor’s note: Wired for Safety is a column on cybersecurity and other tech issues. Duane Dunston is an assistant professor of cybersecurity and networking at Champlain College. He received his bachelor’s and master’s of science from Pfeiffer University. From 2001 to 2011 he worked in cybersecurity for NOAA. He is a doctoral student at Northeastern University with a concentration in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. His other activities include “You Have A Voice,” a project to develop an electronic screening assessment to identify human trafficking victims.
[T]he ability to quickly distribute videos and photographs has certainly allowed family and friends to share events that have to be seen to really understand the special moment.
However, there is another issue with the easy methods of distributing photos and video and that is when someone is victimized by nonconsensual pornography. Nonconsensual pornography is better known as “revenge porn.” However, I am intentionally not using that phrase because it is not always about revenge. Nonconsensual refers to someone sharing intimate or explicit photos or videos without the consent of those depicted in the media.
The short period of time for a photo or video to go viral only further victimizes the people involved. It is understandable that shame, fear and anger are commonly associated with someone who has been victimized by this type of online harassment. They may experience bullying, ridicule or anger directed towards them by family and friends. People who are victimized by this need the support of friends and family. It is important to remember that people who have intimate or explicit photos of them posted online may have been secretly recorded, had their computer or device compromised, or forgot to turn off a video streaming program like Skype, Hangout, etc. Also, there are people take videos and photos of themselves specifically for themselves or their intimate partners. I am not going to tell anyone not to take those types of photos or videos. If they are proud of their body, want to share it with their partner, or it helps them develop pride in their body (which we should all feel), it is their prerogative to do so. My recommendation is to use some type of software program on your computer or phone that can secure those photos and videos. The iPhone has encryption capabilities. Android has SSE.
It is important, however, to keep in mind that once you share a photo with someone, you’re trusting they will properly manage the photo. However, others have gotten access to photos and posted them as in a case here in Vermont. There is another issue of people who intentionally do explicit things in public or pose nude in public places. The general rule according to Vermont law is that there is not reasonable expectation of privacy in public settings. Accordingly, you may not be able to have the law on your side in those cases.
That issue of public places gets into the remedies for those victimized by non-consensual pornography. Consult legal counsel. There are always exceptions if you find someone took a photo of you that exposed private parts in a public setting without your consent. However, I’m not an attorney so one of the remedies is to consult legal advice. Also, sharing of a photo could lead to other offenses such as the distribution of child pornography if the person or people depicted are minors. Your best bet is to report it and not share it, it could lead to a lot of problems for those that share it (Teen sexting ring busted and Sexting case lands Vt. teen in jail).
If you are victimized by non-consensual pornography:
1. Seek legal counsel to determine what can be done to remove the photos or videos as soon as possible and legal actions against those that don’t comply and against those that posted or share the media.
2. It will be difficult, but document the sites where you know it exists.
3. If you need it, seek emotional support from trained professionals to help you cope with the shame, embarrassment and depression that may occur.
4. If you are bullied, harassed or threatened by the perpetrator or others as a result of the victimization, document every single occurrence for possible legal action against those involved.
5. Seek the support of your friends and family. Note for friends and family: Support those that are victimized. It is not always a willful act of someone having photos or videos exposed online (e.g. hacking or former partner sharing, or accidentally leaving a phone unlocked and someone plays a prank by posting, etc.)
6. The website Cyber Civil Rights has resources to help, as well.
