In today’s interconnected world, where private and public information is just a click away, the rise of sextortion has become a pressing issue. As intimate conversations and bedroom secrets increasingly find their way online, it’s crucial to address and close the loopholes that have wreaked havoc on many lives.
Sextortion involves the threat of exposing private and intimate material online, unless the victim meets the extortionist’s demands. Typically, once a blackmailer secures a compromising video, audio or picture, they demand more content or favours under the threat of public exposure. This situation leaves victims feeling trapped, often leading to severe emotional distress. In extreme cases, victims have resorted to self-harm or suicide to escape the overwhelming shame and embarrassment.
Sextortion occurs in two main contexts. The first is within intimate relationships, where resentful partners may use shared sexual images to force reconciliation, or punish their ex-partners.
The second context involves online encounters, where perpetrators meet targets online, and use a sexual image to demand more images, interactions, money or other benefits. Consider the vulnerable position of a tech-savvy 16-year-old experiencing her first love. In her naivety, she might comply with requests for intimate images, unaware of the potential dangers. This is a predicament not just for young women but for men as well, though women, are more frequently targeted. Victims often find themselves at the mercy of predators, whose threats can severely damage their lives.
Impact
The threats to expose sexual images can lead to life-altering crises. Once these images are online, they can remain indefinitely, beyond the victim’s control. This persistence can lead to other issues such as cyberbullying, stalking and physical assaults. The widespread use of digital media allows perpetrators to exploit numerous chat rooms by recording or hacking into devices to gain unauthorised access to personal files, webcams and microphones.
Sextortion-related crimes in Namibia include crimen injuria (serious violation of another person’s dignity or privacy), criminal defamation (publishing material that damages another’s reputation), and extortion (obtaining an advantage through pressure). The Communications Act also prohibits using telecommunications devices for obscene, lewd or indecent communications with the intent to harass. These laws provide some protection, and additional legislation targeting online abuse are under discussion.
To prevent falling victim to sextortion, it is essential to avoid sending compromising content, such as intimate images, texts, audio or video. Giving in to the blackmailer’s demands often leads to more threats and demands. It is crucial to document evidence of all contacts with the blackmailer. Reporting the issue to the relevant social media platform and blocking the perpetrator can help, as can temporarily deactivating your social media accounts without deleting them to preserve evidence. Being cautious with attachments from unknown sources and turning off electronic devices and webcams when not in use can prevent unauthorised access. Ultimately, the best protection is to avoid creating compromising content that could be used against you.
*Lukas Haufiku serves as the chief public relations officer of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. The views expressed here are his personal opinions.