What is the Harmful Digital Communications Act?

The HDCA was passed in 2015 to aid individuals who are victims of repeated harmful digital communications. These harmful communications include racist, sexist and religiously intolerant etc.. comments through digital mediums such as texts, emails or social media.

The Loophole Of The Act

An amendment is being made to en the loophole of the act. The
members’ bill from Labour MP Louisa Wall currently in select committee which would remove the requirement for “intent” to harm under the Harmful Digital Communications Act, making it a civil offence to post anyone’s nude photo without their permission.

Background to Revenge Porn

Revenge Porn is a type of sexual harassment that occurs in the digital space. The offender will share and upload private photos and videos of the victim that are of explicit and sexual nature without the consent of the victim. This form of sexual abuse is intended to cause the victim embarrassment or distress as a form of retaliation and blackmail material by a current or former partner. These photos are also sometimes released with the victim's personal information such as their address, social media profiles and their full name.

The Issue with Revenge Porn

Since the advancements in technology and our increasingly digitally connected world, revenge porn has skyrocketed in 2015 and 2016 as it has become easier to share these explicit photos. The age of the victims ranges from as young as 11 and much older adults. But the most incidents are of teens and adults in their 20s. The victim in this situation has no control over who views their leaked photos and videos. They feel humiliated and embarrassed, negatively affecting their mental health and harm their future relationships.

Website for more information about Revenge Porn and the HDCA:

https://sites.google.com/my.westlakegirls.school.nz/jes-revenge-porn-information/home