What is Revenge Porn?

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Revenge porn, n.- A form of sexual abuse that involves the distribution of nude/sexually explicit photos and/or videos of an individual without their consent. Revenge porn, sometimes called cyber-rape or non-consensual pornography, is usually posted by a scorned ex-lover or friend, in order to seek revenge after a relationship has gone sour.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumours sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Is it time to revise the computer misuse act of Saint Lucia? Illustration by Satish Acharya.

Computer Misuse Act of St. Lucia

According to section 15 of the Computer Misuse Act of St. Lucia 2011, in regard to malicious communications
1.) a person shall not use a computer to send a message, letter, electronic communication or article of any description that
a.) Is indecent or obscene; b.) Constitutes a threat; or c.) Is menacing in character with the intention to cause, or being reckless as to whether he or she causes annoyance, inconvenience, distress or anxiety to the recipient, or to any other person to whom he or she intends to be communicated.
2.) A person who contravenes subsection 1.) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both and in the case of a subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

In this act ‘computer’ means a device that accepts information, in the form of digitalized data and manipulates the information for some result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed.