Shivam Goel
Advocate, High Court of Delhi
Revenge porn is non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images. Generally, the crime of “revenge porn” involves images originally obtained without consent, such as by use of hidden cameras or victim coercion, and images originally obtained with consent, usually within the context of a private or confidential relationship. Once obtained, these images are subsequently distributed without consent. The gist of the definition of “revenge porn” lies in the fact that the victim did not consent to its distribution- though the victim may have consented to its recording or may have taken the photo or video himself/ herself. The rise of revenge porn has gone hand-in-hand with the increasing use of social media and the internet, on which people constantly exchange ideas and images without seeking permission from the originator. The term “revenge porn” is in fact misleading in to two respects. Firstly, “revenge” connotes personal vengeance. However, perpetrators/ accused may be motivated by a desire for profit, notoriety, entertainment, or for no specific reason at all. The only common factor is that the perpetrators/ accused act without the consent of the person depicted (victim). Secondly, “porn” misleadingly suggests that the visual depiction of nudity or sexual activity are inherently pornographic.
Keywords: Revenge Porn, Private Images, Crime, Hidden Camera, Entertainment
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