If someone sends out uninvited sexual images on the web, it’s known as “cyber flashing” one of the forms of online harassment that includes sexual violence.
It occurs when a user communicates explicit pictures via wireless networks, messaging apps and online platforms Bluetooth or any other file sharing apps.
Dating apps for online dating, in which cyber-flashers send “dick pictures,” photos of genitalia and other sexually explicit photos has become a specific issue. The same is true for social media platforms like Snapchat as well as WhatsApp.
Cyber flashing is also an epidemic among New York subway commuters, that are subjected to vulgar pictures that are emailed to phones.
How common is cyber Flashing?
A 2017 study found that 53% of women aged between 18 and 29 reported having been victimized by unwanted sexual pictures. The victims of cyber-sexual flashing may not necessarily report the incident though, and the figure could be much higher.
Is Cyber Flashing Illegal?
There are only two states in the world, Texas and California, have laws against flashing of cyber images.
- The Texas law adopted in 2019, categorizes cyber-slashing as a class C offense with penalties in the amount of $500. The legislation was passed along with Bumble which is a well-known online dating application.
- The year 2022 was the last time California unanimously passed a bill that permits cyber flashing victims to file a lawsuit if the perpetrator is older than 18. They can also seek punitive damages as well as costs for attorney’s expenses. Also, they may seek an order from the court to stop any future transmissions.
This issue is making headlines in the meantime, and state legislators are drafting laws to limit the dissemination of sexually explicit images that are not welcome.
- Virginia is working on new laws that will stop flashing of information on computers.
- New York is working on law that makes uninviting intimate pictures punished with a fine of up to $500 as well as jail sentences that can last up to 15 days. A judge could also order that the person who did it to undergo obligatory sexual harassment education.
- For New Hampshire, cyber flashing is considered a offense that is a misdemeanor.
Cyber flashing is not prohibited by federal law. flashing.
England and Wales are working together to draft the Online Safety Bill, making it a crime that carries penalties of up to two years of prison. Scotland has banned the use of flashes on computers since.
Doesn’t Cyber Flashing Work the Same as “Indecent Exposure?”
Each state has laws to prevent naked exposure, or the practice of showing one’s genitals to alarm or cause offense. Most often, it is performed for sexual pleasure or in order to provoke an emotional reaction. It is not known what the legal implications are if “digital” exposure through cyber-flashing is treated in similarly to indecent exposure in the eyes of laws.
Are ‘Sexting’ and ‘Sexting’ the same as Cyber-Flashing?
“Sexting”
Sending online explicit images or text messages. You can do this if are on a
consenting relationship, and even send intimate photographs, however, the photos must be accepted by the recipient. Consent is key.
By using cyber flashing, the person sending it will tryto communicate unwanted or unpleasant pictures to the receiver. In the event that you transmit images via email to someone it is not a crime. any of the elements that constitute the crime of cyber flashing.
What can we do to prevent cyber Flashing
It is possible to take a number of steps to avoid unwanted images appearing on your mobile. Particularly if you’re in public areas You can protect your device in these methods:
- You can disable Apple’s AirDrop feature in your iPhone by disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Be wary of requests on social media from strangers.
- Do not pair your Bluetooth to unidentified sources.
- Never give out contact details to people you aren’t sure of.
What Should You Do If You’re an Online Flashing Victim
Inform the police. Although it’s difficult to find the perpetrator the incident alerts police of any cyber flashing. It is important to determine what other instances at public locations are connected to.
Contact the local lawyer for sexual harassment If you have a connection to who is sending you the offensive photos.
We hope that lawmakers be able to catch up and punish this type of sexual harassment. Hopefully, tech companies will create the latest technology to combat the kind of harassment that is occurring.