‘Revenge porn’ criminalised
The Cyprus House of Representatives has enacted legislation criminalizing the non-consensual distribution of sexually explicit material, commonly known as ‘revenge porn.’ This law applies to all individuals, regardless of gender, and imposes penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment for those convicted. Previously, such offenses were addressed under laws pertaining to violence against women, which limited their applicability. The new legislation eliminates the requirement to prove the perpetrator’s intent to harm, focusing instead on the impact on the victim. Aggravating factors include instances where the victim suffers severe emotional distress, financial loss, or when the material is accessed by minors. The law also considers ‘doxing’—revealing the victim’s identity alongside the explicit material—as an aggravating circumstance. This move underscores Cyprus’s commitment to combating digital sexual exploitation and protecting individuals’ privacy rights.
