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The party could well be over for ‘cyberflashing’ enthusiasts in the UK, after the government announced that digitally sending ‘unsolicited images of one’s genitals or intimate areas’ to someone else will constitute a criminal offence.
The crime of cyberflashing is a relatively new concept, but the Government’s Online Safety Bill will officially outlaw the tiresome practice of sending ‘unwanted d***-pics’ and other similar offences.
UK Secretary of State Nadine Dorries Tweeted about the move on Sunday. She stated that cyberflashing caused some very damaging consequences, arguing that it ‘strips away the innocence of young girls in an instant’.
“Cyberflashing is a violation. It can have a damaging impact on victims and strip away the innocence of young girls in an instant. That’s why we’re criminalising cyberflashing in the UK.”
Nadine Dorries
Meanwhile, Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab echoed these sentiments. He wrote that the new legislation will now ‘send a clear message to perpetrators’ – who will also face the threat of jail time.
“Protecting women and girls is my top priority which is why we’re boosting victims support funding and improving rape prosecutions. Making cyberflashing a specific crime is the latest step – sending a clear message that perpetrators will face jail time.”
Dominic Raab
Under the new law, cyberflashing will treated just the same as in-person flashing. That means an offender could land themselves with a maximum sentence of TWO YEARS behind bars.
The government clampdown has been welcomed by internet safety advocates, and it’s hoped the punitive measures will go a long way towards deterring any potential offenders.
