Every day is a challenge for everyone with the constant stream of negative news reporting the atrocities of human behavior. For everyone's mental health, it is important to maintain a balanced view of the world and have a strong core belief that most people are basically good.
Unfortunately, in the age of the Internet, where information is constantly flowing, it is very difficult to maintain our beliefs. Every now and then, so many new ways of bad behavior come to light. For example, have you heard of a new form of cyberbullying called “Revenge Porn?” Have you heard of a story that might require intervention by the authorities?
What is revenge porn?
When I first heard about revenge porn, my first response was, “Really? It’s so gross.” For those who don’t know, revenge porn is the online posting of embarrassing content, nude photos, and videos of an ex-lover or ex-spouse – without their consent. Often the posting includes the victim’s name, address, phone number, and various other information.
Unfortunately, cases of revenge porn are becoming more common and some brave victims are coming forward with their stories, asking authorities to take action.
Some US states, such as California, now have laws that make this type of activity a crime. However, supporters say the California law doesn't go far enough because it doesn't protect "selfies" (photos or videos taken by the same person) that someone reposts for malicious purposes.
The opponents of the New Laws
On the other hand, the Americans for Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation say this type of legislation may go too far. They oppose these and other potential restrictions on the grounds that the laws may violate the First Amendment.
How the unauthorized online publication of nude photos can be considered “freedom of speech” is a matter that we should rethink. There is probably a reasonable fear that the law will go “downhill”, and like any law of this kind it can be used for the slightest thing and reach abusive levels.
So what can you do to avoid becoming a victim?
It doesn't matter what happens at the state or federal level, if someone doesn't think about protecting themselves when they're online, because we can be our own worst enemy.
It's easy for someone to take a naked selfie and share it without fear of the possible consequences. It's even easier to blame the victim, who was stupid enough to upload such photos, especially in this day and age.
We are all human and this explains the mistakes on the part of the victim, perhaps also explains malicious behaviors. For this very reason, we should think very carefully before publishing something that could have unpleasant consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.
First published on Trend Micro Internet Security.
