Many people, both men and women, have fallen prey to blackmail porn. When this happens, most victims always blame themselves and feel it is the end of the world for them. It is not the end of the world for you if you are experiencing this; and if you have not experienced blackmail porn, there are smart ways to avoid ever falling victim.
What is blackmail porn?
According to Wikipedia, pornography or porn is defined as sexual subject material that has the primary purpose of sexual arousal in the consumer, and is produced and supplied with “the consent of all persons involved”. Intended for consumption by adults, pornography is presented through various media, including but not limited to: magazines, art, literature, photography, audio, film, animation, and video games.
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Note the phrase the consent of all persons involved. Now, when that ‘consent’ regarding sexually explicit or porn materials is taken away from the person or persons involved for one reason or the other, then it is blackmail porn. Blackmail porn is a form of online harassment involving using intimate images or videos to threaten, extort or manipulate a person into performing a certain action or paying money.
It is typically perpetrated by a person who has obtained the explicit material without the victim’s consent or who has stolen the material from the victim’s device or computer. The blackmailer typically demands money or some other form of compensation in exchange for not releasing the material to the public or the victim’s friends and family.
How to avoid blackmail porn
Avoid sending compromising images or videos to others
The best way to avoid blackmail porn is to be aware of the potential risks of sending intimate photos or videos online. If you are considering sending such material, make sure the recipient is someone you trust and that you have discussed the consequences of sharing the material with them.
Put a password on your images and videos
Additionally, be sure to password-protect any images or videos you share online, as this is the best way to protect your material from being stolen or distributed without your permission.
Activate the disappearing message feature
Most of the time blackmail porn happens online. Hence, if you decide to send your nude/ private images or videos to someone, you can click on the disappearance message feature on the platform you are using. Most apps like WhatsApp have this feature; you just need to activate it on the platform’s settings. With this feature, you can decide when your chat with someone should disappear. It all depends on how long you want the message to last. Bearing in mind that some people can take a screenshot or use another device to snap the conversation, you just have to be careful to who you send sensitive content.
Is blackmail porn a crime?
In today’s society, there has been a rampant increase in the release of sex tapes, nudes, and other sensitive content. However, it is high time people in Nigeria realise that yes blackmail porn is a crime punishable under section 24 of the Nigerian Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015 which states:
Any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter by means of computer systems or network that –
(a) is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character or causes any such message or matter to be so sent..;
commits an offence under this Act and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not more than N7,000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 3 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
It pays to not send any of your private or sensitive content to anyone. Even as harmless as having your naked pictures or images on your phone is no longer safe because your phone can be stolen or someone can be scrolling through and see them. So taking the right steps to protect yourself is essential.
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What to do if you experience blackmail porn
If you experience blackmail porn, it is not the end of the world as there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself and manage the situation. These steps include:
If you are a victim of blackmail porn, the first step is to contact your local law enforcement. Keeping silent will get you nowhere, so you must report to the appropriate authorities who have the power to deal with the situation. This way, you take power from the hands of your blackmailer. After contacting your local law enforcement go ahead and also reach out to NGOs that handle situations like this. Organisations like Sexual Offenses Awareness & Response (SOAR).
SOAR is dedicated to helping prevent children from every form of sexual abuse. They also provide support and care for victims of sexual abuse.
2. Keep evidence
It is essential to keep evidence of the blackmailer’s attempts such as any emails, texts, or other forms of communication. This helps law enforcement investigate the crime and bring the criminal to justice. Never let the fear of what people will say or a panicked attempt to get it out of sight make you delete the evidence. The moment you delete the evidence you have, you increase the hold and power your blackmailer has over you.
3. Stop responding
Silence is a powerful tool that comes in handy when it comes to knowing what to do if you experience blackmail porn. Stop responding to the blackmailer in every way. Stop replying to their chats, calls, emails, and whatever medium they use to communicate with you. Stop responding no matter how small their request is.
4. Do not negotiate
Do not let the enemy see your fear. This is rule number one if you are experiencing blackmail porn. Do not let your blackmailer know or sense that you are scared even if you are. Most times fear makes people do what they would not do on a typical day. Do not negotiate out of fear with your blackmailer. The moment you do this, you empower them.
5. Prepare your mind for the impact
Prepare your mind for the impact by thinking ahead. If this image or video gets out into the public eye, what will people say? How would it affect your life, career, relationships, family, and friends? These are questions you should ask yourself and also prepare your mind on how to respond and react if it happens. Most victims of blackmail porn fail to prepare for the effect the leaked video or image will have when released most times because of fear.
Reporting to the police or ignoring the blackmailer in some cases does not mean the blackmailer will go away, and some might go ahead and release the compromising footage. Putting measures in place, for instance, leaving the country or releasing a public statement or video are things you put in place at least to curb as much as you can.
Finally, it is important to remember that blackmail porn is a serious crime and that victims should not be ashamed to seek help. With the right resources and support, victims of blackmail porn can take back their power and reclaim their privacy.
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