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A Kosovo citizen holds a sign that reads “Protect your daughter (lined) Educate your son” at a protest against sexual harassment and assault in school, in Pristina, Kosovo, on May 17, 2021. Photo: BIRN

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This section highlights two cases of women and girls who were victims of online violence, compounded by physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by men. In the Balkan region, where such abuses are underreported, online violence receives even less attention from governments and society. Victims often face significant obstacles, as “victims of revenge porn in the Balkans face an uphill fight against legislative gaps, institutional prejudice, widespread victim-blaming, and unethical media coverage” (https://balkaninsight.com/2021/10/1).

The first case involves three episodes and is presented anonymously to protect the identities of the underage victims and prevent further harm. Similarly, the second case remains anonymous to shield the victim, who tragically lost her life due to systemic governmental neglect and lack of protection. These cases are documented here to expose the patriarchal and violent societal structures that enable and excuse such atrocities. While the majority of abuses remain undocumented and unreported, these two cases exemplify not only physical and real-life abuse but also online violence that has profoundly impacted the lives of the victims.

1. There are 3 known and reported recent (2021) cases in Albania where under aged girls (13 – 15 years old) were sexually abused by grown men and/or boys of the same age, who used footage and intimate material to threaten the victims. By using this material to threaten the victims, the abuse was prolonged, causing severe and lasting harm to their lives. The government, policymakers, and police were complicit in these abuses, failing to provide the victims with protection, assistance, or complete justice. In many cases, the victims’ families were forced to leave the country to ensure their children’s safety. Although major protests erupted in the streets, they brought little change and had no significant impact. Despite this, the Albanian government has publicly called on social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok, to address illegal activities such as revenge porn, bullying, and human smuggling. They have demanded stricter measures and adequate monitoring capabilities in the Albanian language, though concrete actions remain lacking. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/albania-demands-action-from-tiktok-meta-over-crime-hate-speech/ ihttps://citizens.al/en/2021/05/20/study%2C-one-in-10-girls-are-forced-to-engage-in-sexual-intercourse-against-their-will/

Under the Articles 101, 108, 117 the abusers got their sentences and were eventually arrested. Under these articles minors are protected but there is no mention on the ‘women’s rights to privacy’.

2. A 27-year-old woman killed herself this month after a TikTok influencer she was seeing blackmailed her and published her explicit photos on the app, according to local media. The man accused of leaking the photos, Tiktoker Altin Çoku, was arrested and charged by the Court of Tirana with “causing suicide”. https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/02/26/a-matter-of-national-security-albanian-group-wants-government-to-ban-cybercrimes-against-w

Legislation:

Albania does not have legislation specifically regulating the non-consensual processing and distribution of images and videos (revenge porn or image-based sexual abuse) embedded within their Criminal Codes. It does, however, criminalize a set of offenses that – can be applied to cases of revenge porn. These offenses broadly fall within two categories:

1. Protection of body and sexual integrity (e.g. sexual harassment, harassment, stalking) and

2. Protection against privacy intrusions through technological means (e.g. unauthorised recording/filming, disclosure of personal data). While these applications of criminal offense are limited, they can provide from a normative perspective protection against revenge porn. It is, however, much more difficult to assess if this application offers meaningful protection in practice. In Albania, there are special police units to counter domestic violence that have a certain level of expertise in dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) cases.

Applicable laws:

Article 121 Criminal Code: Unfair Intrusion into privacy (or private life)

Article 121/a Criminal Code: Stalking

Revenge Porn is not directly regulated

Organizations that aim to help women and girls in cases of violence and abuse:

Counselling Line for Abused Women and Girls CLWG, Tirana: https://www.iamaneh.ch/en/projects/albania/clwg.html

Comparative analysis in south east europe: https://cms.seedigitalrights.network/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Comparative-analysis_short-version_non-consensual-processing.pdf

by Anjeza Hepaj

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Gambia)

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Gambia)

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The Gambia

With regard to online gender-based violence, a survey conducted in 2019 found that 45.5% of Facebook and Twitter users in The Gambia have experienced some form of online GBV but only 15% of these women have reported the issue.52 Gambian women and girls continue to be sexually harassed and threatened through means such as doxxing, trolling, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and threat of physical violence by their perpetrators, among other forms of online GBV.

In 2019, Khadijah Bokum, a journalist and one of the initiators of the #SurvivingMelville movement, to report sexual violence allegedly perpetrated by Melville Roberts, a former civil servant and a lawyer in The Gambia, faced abuse online and was further victimised by the media company she worked with, which published biased reporting on the story. This has included cyberbullying and misquotations aimed at undermining her credibility.

Bintou Nyabally, a survivor of rape and assault by soldiers loyal to former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, faced extensive harassment and bullying on social media after speaking out about her experiences in 2019.

All these demonstrates the systemic silencing of women through both physical and digital means, particularly in contexts where GBV remains stigmatized.

Privacy Laws in The Gambia

However, The Gambia still does not have legislative and policy measures in place which address TFGBV and provide access to effective remedies for women and girls affected by TFGBV.57 There is low awareness about the existence and forms of TFGBV; and issues relating to TFGBV are not given sufficient attention by law enforcement officers who struggle to understand the impact of TFGBV and the mechanisms through which it is carried out.

The Gambian Government is recommended to take the following measures to uphold human rights in the digital context:

1. Encourage companies operating in The Gambia to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect personal data and prevent cyberattacks, in line with the government’s obligations under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

2. Implement a data protection framework that establishes a data protection authority with complete independence in accordance with the standards in the Malabo Convention.

3. Ensure that digital access is inclusive and equitable for all; and address barriers to access technology and the internet for marginalised communities, including rural communities, women and persons with disabilities.

References

Ref: APC, & Jokkolabs Banjul. (2022). Joint stakeholder report: Human rights in the digital context in The Gambia (Section VI: Technology-facilitated gender-based violence against women human rights defenders). Retrieved from https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/upr-gambia-final.pdf

by Isatou JK Sanyang

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Women march during a protest to challenge impunity and gender-based discrimination raids on women in Abuja, Nigeria, May 10, 2019. © 2019 Kola Sulaimon/AFP via Getty Images

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Nigeria)

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Nigeria)

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Nigeria

In 2016, 17 years old and a third-year medical student and former Miss Anambra, Chidinma Okeke was a target for cyberbullying, trolling and slut-shaming when a video purported to be of her having sex with a woman, surfaced on the internet and was shared severally on social media.

Privacy Laws in Nigeria

1. Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, 2015 – Provides a comprehensive definition of cyber-harassment and spells out specific offences such as ‘cyberstalking’ provision under Article 24 which provides that ‘any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter by means of computer systems or network… to bully, threaten or harass another person, where such communication places another person in fear of death, violence or bodily harm or to another person’ will attract imprisonment for a term of 10 years and/or a minimum fine of N25,000,000.00 (USD59,406.5).

2. Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 – This regulation, issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in 2019, aims to address rising concerns about data privacy and the secure handling of personal data in an increasingly digital world.

Reference

Africanfeminism. (2020). Silencing women: Nonconsensual distribution of intimate images as gender-based violence in Nigeria (Part I). Africanfeminism. https://africanfeminism.com/silencing-women-nonconsensual-distribution-of-intimate-images-as-gender-based-violence-in-nigeria-part-i/

by Isatou JK Sanyang

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Egypt)

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Egypt)

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Egypt

Passant Khaled, a 17-year-old high school student in Egypt, who tragically took her own life in January 2022. Passant was a victim of non-consensual image manipulation and blackmail.

Sarah Hegazi was an intersectional Egyptian queer feminist and human rights defender who was forced to flee her country and ultimately took her own life following relentless targeting and repression in 2020.

Privacy Laws in Egypt

1.  Data Protection Law No 151/2020 (the “DPL”) – It encompasses the protection of individuals’ and entities’ data and privacy rights. The DPL generally prohibits the processing of personal data without the explicit consent of data subjects and, in addition, grants them multiple rights in restricting access to their data.

2. Cybercrimes Law No 175/2018 – On combating IT crimes, this law regulates online activities and aim to penalise, inter alia, unlicensed online activity and content violations, such as illegally accessing a private device or account, a very possible crime under sensitive digital technologies.

References

Egypt Today. (2022, January 3). Egypt’s prosecution questions defendants accused with blackmailing a girl leading to her suicide. Egypt Today. Retrieved from https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/111552/Egypt%E2%80%99s-prosecution-questions-defendants-accused-with-blackmailing-a-girl-leading

Timep. (n.d.). Sarah Hegazi Fellowship. The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://timep.org/sarah-hegazi-fellowship/

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Tunisia)

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Cases reported in North-West Africa (Tunisia)

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Tunisia

Mayssa, a 26-year-old woman has still not recovered from an incident that took place on Facebook when an intimate video shared by her former partner on Facebook led to significant distress.

Privacy Acts

1. The Personal Data Protection Law 2018 – It gives individuals the right to access and correct their personal data, and it requires organizations to obtain consent before collecting data. The law also imposes penalties for non-compliance, aiming to enhance privacy protection.

2. The Cybercrime Law 2018 – It addresses various forms of online harassment, including image-based abuse, identity theft, and online defamation. The law helps prevent digital crimes that violate an individual’s privacy and personal rights. It criminalizes activities like hacking, unauthorized access to personal data, and the unlawful sharing of intimate images.

Reference

Nawaat. (2020, November 17). Tunisia: Women campaigning against the impunity of cyberviolence. Nawaat. Retrieved from https://nawaat.org/2020/11/17/tunisia-women-campaigning-against-the-impunity-of-cyberviolence/

by Isatou JK Sanyang

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In Turkey, various legal frameworks have been established to combat violence against women and children, including forms of violence that occur online:

Law No. 6284 on the Protection of Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women (2012):
This law focuses on protecting women, children, family members, and victims of stalking who are at risk of or have already been subjected to violence. It provides for restraining orders and other protective measures to prevent further harm.

National Action Plan on Combating Violence Against Women (2021-2025):
The action plan sets out strategies to prevent and respond to all types of violence against women, explicitly addressing digital violence. It highlights the need for coordinated multi-sectoral services and encourages the involvement of men and boys in efforts to eliminate violence against women.

Cybercrime Provisions in the Turkish Penal Code:
The Penal Code criminalizes several forms of cybercrime, including unauthorized access to information systems, data manipulation, and the dissemination of illegal content. These laws can be applied to cases of online harassment, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private images.

Istanbul Convention

The Istanbul Convention, adopted in 2011, is a comprehensive international treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. It requires states to implement legal, educational, and protective measures to safeguard women from all forms of abuse, including online violence.

Turkey’s withdrawal from the convention in 2021, citing concerns over its impact on “family values,” was met with widespread criticism and protests, with women across the country emphasizing its importance in protecting their fundamental rights. The decision remains highly controversial, with activists arguing that it weakens protections against gender-based violence at a time when such measures are critically needed.

“Istanbul Convention Saves Lives” became a rallying cry for protesters demanding the reinstatement of this vital framework.

Despite these measures, the fight against online violence faces obstacles such as enforcement gaps, a lack of public awareness, and the constant evolution of digital platforms. Strengthening laws, raising awareness, and improving online safety mechanisms are essential to addressing these challenges effectively.

In Turkey, several distressing cases illustrate the intersection of online violence and physical or sexual abuse against women and girls. These cases reveal how perpetrators leverage digital tools to control, intimidate, and harm victims, often with severe consequences for their physical and mental well-being.

1. The Suicide of a Young Woman After Digital Blackmail (2020):
A 22-year-old woman in Turkey ended her life after being blackmailed by her ex-partner, who threatened to release intimate images online. The man had gained access to private content and used it as leverage to maintain control over her. Despite her complaints to authorities, she reportedly received insufficient protection. This case sparked public outrage, calling attention to gaps in addressing digital blackmail as a form of violence.

2. Sexual Exploitation of Minors Through Online Grooming (2021):
Reports surfaced of underage girls (ages 14-16) being coerced by adult men and peers into sharing explicit images through social media platforms. These images were later used to blackmail the victims into prolonged abuse. In several instances, perpetrators also subjected the girls to in-person physical and sexual violence. The victims faced societal stigmatization, and their families were often forced to relocate to protect their safety.

3. The Case of a University Student Targeted Online and Assaulted Offline (2022):
A university student was harassed through social media, where explicit images falsely attributed to her were circulated. The digital harassment escalated into a physical assault by an acquaintance who believed the fabricated content. Despite filing a complaint, the case highlighted systemic shortcomings in addressing the link between online and offline violence.

4. Revenge Porn and Coerced Abuse (2023):
A young woman was coerced into an abusive relationship after her intimate images were shared without her consent by a former partner. The images were used to threaten her and prevent her from leaving the relationship. Although the perpetrator was eventually arrested, the psychological and social consequences for the victim persisted long after the legal proceedings.

These cases illustrate the harmful cycle where online violence, including digital blackmail and the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, often leads to or compounds physical and sexual abuse. They also highlight systemic failures in providing adequate protections and justice for victims.

by Dilhun Develi

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Correlation with Legislation and Solutions

The cases underscore the urgent need for robust enforcement of laws such as Law No. 6284 and targeted measures addressing cybercrime. Additionally, support systems like the Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centers (ŞÖNİM) and active engagement of NGOs are critical to ensuring victims receive protection and justice. There is also a pressing need to raise awareness about the risks of online violence and the resources available to victims.

Available Solutions for Women

Women in Turkey who face online violence can take the following steps to protect themselves and seek justice:

1. File Complaints with Law Enforcement:
Victims can report incidents to local police stations or public prosecutors. Cybercrime-related offenses fall under the jurisdiction of Turkey’s Cybercrime Unit, which operates under the Directorate General of Security.

2. Seek Protection from Family Courts:
Women can request restraining orders or other protective measures under Law No. 6284 through family courts, often without the need for legal representation.

3. Access Support from the Ministry of Family and Social Services:
The Ministry operates Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centers (ŞÖNİM), which provide women with psychological, legal, and social support services.

4. Hotlines for Immediate Assistance:

Dial 183, the Social Support Hotline, to report abuse and receive guidance.

Dial ALO 155, the Police Emergency Hotline, for immediate intervention in cases of imminent danger.

5. Contact NGOs and Women’s Organizations:
Advocacy groups such as the We Will Stop Femicide Platform (Kadın Cinayetlerini Durduracağız Platformu)and the Mor Çatı Women’s Shelter Foundation offer victims legal support, shelter, and advocacy services.

6. Report Abusive Content to Digital Platforms:
Victims can file complaints directly with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These platforms have dedicated processes to address harassment, cyberbullying, and the sharing of intimate images without consent.

By using these mechanisms and resources, women can take actionable steps to counter online violence and seek the protection and justice they deserve.

References:

1. Case Studies on Gender-Based Violence: Reports from We Will Stop Femicide Platform (Kadın Cinayetlerini Durduracağız Platformu). https://kadincinayetlerinidurduracagiz.net

2. Cyber Violence Reports: UN Women’s research on online and offline violence in Turkey. https://eca.unwomen.org

3. Analysis of Digital Abuse Trends: Studies published by the Mor Çatı Women’s Shelter Foundation. https://www.morcati.org.tr

4. Legislative Frameworks and Case Law: Details from Turkey’s Penal Code and legal proceedings. https://www.tbmm.gov.tr

5. News Coverage: Reports from national and international media outlets covering incidents of digital and physical abuse.

6. Law No. 6284: Available through Turkey’s official legislation repository: https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr

7. National Action Plan on Combating Violence Against Women: Ministry of Family and Social Services official website: https://www.aile.gov.tr

8. Cybercrime Legislation: Penal Code details via https://www.tbmm.gov.tr

9. Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centers (ŞÖNİM): Information from Ministry of Family and Social Services: https://www.aile.gov.tr/siddetle-mucadele

10. Hotlines and Support Services: Detailed on https://www.aile.gov.tr

NGOs:

Mor Çatı Women’s Shelter Foundation: https://www.morcati.org.tr and We Will Stop Femicide Platform: https://kadincinayetlerinidurduracagiz.net

by Dilhun Develi

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When we talk about Japan we immediately think of its particular and lively pop culture, which in recent years started to become established in our western society: anime, cuisine and aesthetic are more and more common.

This soft power translates into admiration for its cultural and social landscape, which is seen as a different lifestyle to the one more common in those countries considered as “the West”. But when we talk about digital rights, and especially the right of privacy, how does this alternative lifestyle hold against these issues?

When an innocent news can ruin your career

When we talk about celebrities we are used to hearing about privacy violations against them by journalists or paparazzi, but most of us simply ignore these news or react very mildly.

This kind of situation happens in Japan too, but instead of a mild reaction by some fans this can lead to the loss of the job of the celebrity hit by the scandal.

This is what happened to the Japanese idol Minami Minegishi, member of the group AKB48 since its constitution in 2005. On the 31st of January 2013, the tabloid Shukan Bunshun published an article reporting she passed the night in the house of Alan Shirahama, member of a JPOP boy band.

After a few hours from the publishing of the news, AKB48’s blog announced Minami was demoted from official member to trainee and in the evening, on Youtube channel of AKB48, a video of her apologizing for her “thoughtless behavior” was released where Minami was crying for forgiveness with her head shaved, begging the company to let her stay in the group she loved.

All of this was happening because the idol market encourages fans to become attached not only with songs or TV series where their favorite idol is present, but also with the idol itself; this leads to some fans seeing their idol as a friend or even a partner with whom they have a romantic relationship. Minami, with her relationship, was guilty of breaking the dream of thousands of fans, hence hurting the company by being less desirable and creating less engagement.

Her case is not a one-off in this industry; another famous case is the one of Maho Yamaguchi, Japanese idol member of the group NGT48, who was the victim of assault by two male fans in front of her residency in December 2018. When she spoke about the incident in a live stream and on Twitter, accusing other members of the group of leaking her address to the aggressors and the AKS society (manager of the group) of ignoring her situation, she received pressure to apologize for her behavior (apologizes that arrived two days later during a perform of the group) and later she’d tell that even the AKS president accused her of being “an assailant against the company”.

Luckily for her, those apologies live on TV, made her gain liking and support from the general public, which didn’t understand why it was her the person asking for forgiveness and not the two aggressors (which were released without consequences). As consequences of the backlash of this situation, AKS disbanded the NGT48 group and merged it with another one of its property, but Maho Yamaguchi and other two idols who gave their support to her (Rena Hasegawa and Riko Sugahara) announced they wouldn’t join this new project, stating they don’t feel like working “in a group where you will receive a pardon for anything”.

Digital rights legal situation in Japan

In Japan the main law on privacy subject is the Act of Protection of Personal Information (APPI) promulgated in 2003 and amended in different times in order to adapt to international standard like European GDPR; this law defines guideline for the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC), responsible of:

monitoring businesses and organizations to ensure compliance with data protection regulation

ensuring that international data transfers meet standards established by bilateral agreements

enforcing privacy protection regulations

collaborating with international data protection authorities to address global privacy challenges

The government also promotes digital literacy on privacy through initiatives like Japan Privacy Week (annual initiative organized by the PPC as part of the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities, APPA, collaboration) and Privacy Awareness Week (with the objective of fostering discussions around regulatory priorities and industry best practices in data privacy).

Critical Cultural Problems

We just saw Japan have a strict privacy policy, on an equal level to the European one, and those cases raised attention on this topic even more. The main problem in this context does not seem to come from a government lacking interest on the topic, but rather a society not interested or not really receptive to this kind of problems.

Japanese hierarchical and highly competitive society, based upon honor and integrity and where devotion “to the cause” is everything seems to be the biggest obstacle toward changes in this subject: since fans being obsessive is something known and, unluckily, common the blame is usually put on the victims, who simply chose a career with known issues and risks which he/she cannot withstand.

This is the kind of mentality that makes changes impossible, especially when we look at the other part of the problem, the actors who benefit from this situation: talent agencies, which by moving huge amounts of money in one of the top selling points of the Japanese entertainment landscape, holds as consequences huge amounts of decisional power.

In 2021, through the passing of a specific bill, the Digital Agency was established, with the objective of promoting digitalization of national and local government.

Another entity which program is active on the digital field is the Japan Pirate Party, which as member of the Pirate Parties International, promotes (on top of civil libertarianism and anti-corruption policies) digital literacy, e-democracy and free access to online information, with strong critics to the copyright and patent system.

References

1. https://www.ppc.go.jp/en/

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minami_Minegishi

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_of_Maho_Yamaguchi

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabbing_of_Mayu_Tomita

5. https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/16/asia/japanese-pop-idol-sexual-assault-apology-bullying-intl/index.html

6. https://x.com/jeauexe/status/1082799640250970112

7. https://x.com/ithebigc/status/1082999368666337281

by Stefano Bortolatto

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This issue also affects male idols, with cases like .

This critical issue is present in Korea too, where we have cases like Jeon Jung-kook (aka Jungkook), member of the worldwide famous KPOP band BTS, and the sasaeng phenomenon (obsessive fans who tail their favorite artists in hope to meet them).

The right of privacy is the first line of defense against what seems to be a systematic issue of idols’ market, where young boys and girls are showcased to a huge and obsessive crowd of fans like simple products in a shop.

When this right falls short in defending a celebrity’s true identity and personal life, tragedy can and will happen, just like what happened to Mayu Tomita, who was stabbed by a fan who offered her gifts and asked her to marry him after she refused him; she reached for help at the police, but they ignored the threat, underestimating the damage a privacy violation could cause.

by Stefano Bortolatto

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Behind every case of online privacy violation is a human story, one of pain, resilience, and the urgent need for justice.

This section sheds light on the experiences of women like Dalia Aly, Tiziana Cantone, Michela Deriu, and Diletta Leotta, whose lives were upended by the unauthorized sharing of private content.Their stories are stark reminders of the emotional and social toll of such violations, highlighting the critical importance of strong privacy protections and supportive systems.

We also explore the legal frameworks in Italy and the European Union, including the GDPR, Codice Rosso, and the Right to Be Forgotten, designed to safeguard individuals’ digital rights.

By understanding these cases and the laws that aim to protect against similar violations, we can advocate for a safer, more respectful digital environment.

This is not just about laws, it’s about creating a culture where privacy is valued, consent is respected and victims find the support they need.

The Cases

Dalia Aly: An Egyptian woman living in Italy, Dalia Aly’s private images were leaked online, leading to significant public scrutiny and distress.Her experience highlighted the severe emotional toll that such breaches of privacy can inflict on victims. https://www.ilgiorno.it/milano/cronaca/revenge-porn-cfe30cad

Tiziana Cantone: In one of the most widely publicized cases, Tiziana Cantone became a victim of cyberbullying and online humiliation after private videos were shared without her consent.The unrelenting abuse and loss of control over her own narrative tragically led her to take her own life in 2016. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caso_Tiziana_Cantone

Michela Deriu: Another heartbreaking story, Michela Deriu was driven to suicide in 2017 after being blackmailed with an intimate video.The psychological strain of such threats proved unbearable. https://www.ilpost.it/2017/11/28/michela-deriu-suicidio/

Diletta Leotta: A prominent Italian sports presenter, Leotta’s private photos were hacked and distributed online, exposing her to harassment.While she publicly condemned the violation and received widespread support, her case remains an example of how even public figures are vulnerable to such breaches. https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/19_febbraio_22/diletta-leotta-foto-rubate-cosi-sono-entrati-mio-telefono-hacker-129cb506-35fc-11e9-a9b4-ecf4c6ca5234.shtml

Privacy laws in Italy and Europe

Italy and the European Union (EU) have enacted robust legal frameworks to protect privacy and personal data. Key legislation includes:

1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Enforced across the EU, GDPR sets strict rules on data processing and grants individuals significant control over their personal information.Violators face heavy fines, ensuring accountability. https://gdpr-info.eu/

2. Italian penal code articles 615-bis: This law specifically criminalize the unauthorized acquisition and distribution of private images or data. https://www.brocardi.it/codice-penale/libro-secondo/titolo-xii/capo-iii/sezione-iv/art615bis.html

3. Italian law 69/2019 (“Codice Rosso”): This law increases penalties for crimes such as revenge porn, mandating expedited judicial proceedings to protect victims. https://www.camera.it/temiap/documentazione/temi/pdf/1154235.pdf?_1573172555581#:~:text=69%20del%202019%20prevede%2C%20a,seguir%C3%A0%20senza%20ritardo%20quella%20scritta.

4. Right to Be Forgotten: Both Italian and EU law allow individuals to request the removal of their personal data from online platforms, a critical tool for reclaiming privacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_be_forgotten#:~:text=The%20right%20to%20be%20forgotten,other%20directories%20in%20some%20circumstances.

How these cases could have been prevented

While laws are in place, proactive measures could have mitigated the outcomes in these tragic cases:

1. Education on digital risks: Public awareness campaigns about the risks of sharing private content, even in trusted circles, can help individuals make informed decisions.

2. Strengthening cybersecurity: Encouraging the use of secure platforms and promoting awareness about phishing attacks could prevent unauthorized access to private files.

3. Faster legal and social interventions: In cases like those of Cantone and Deriu, timely support from law enforcement and mental health professionals might have alleviated some of the psychological pressure.

4. Tech companies’ responsibility: Platforms hosting leaked content must swiftly remove such material and collaborate with authorities to identify perpetrators.

5. Cultural change: A shift in societal attitudes is essential to reduce victim-blaming and shaming. Educating the public about consent and the ethical implications of sharing intimate material is critical.

by Matteo Pierguidi

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Maha, a 31-year-old woman from Aden, Yemen, faced a severe invasion of privacy in July 2021 when hackers accessed her Facebook account. They got access to personal images of her and her friends, some without their niqabs, and posted them on fake accounts, together with her passport. The blackmailers demanded money and as she told them she was not able to pay they wanted to meet her in a hotel and demanded “favors” in exchange for removing the content. Maha ultimately paid a reduced amount to have the posts deleted.

In Yemen there are many barriers to report this to local authorities due to fear of societal backlash and inadequate legal support. In Yemen, while cybercrime laws exist, enforcement is weak, and survivors often face stigma instead of justice.

Preventing such violations requires enhanced digital security education, stronger law enforcement, and cultural change to reduce victim-blaming.

Unfortunately there are many similar cases. Amnesty International has reported about 6 similar cases from 2019 to 2023 in Aden, Ta’iz and Sana’a governorates in Yemen.

Amnesty International report: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/11/yemen-authorities-and-meta-must-address-online-gender-based-violence/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde31/7730/2024/en/

Tawakkol Karman, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and advocate for freedom and democracy, discovered she was the target of a digital spying operation led by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Using a hacking tool called “Karma,” developed with the assistance of former U.S. intelligence operatives, the UAE exploited vulnerabilities in Apple devices to infiltrate her personal communications.

The attack allowed the hackers to access Karman’s emails, messages, and photos without her knowledge. For Karman, this wasn’t only a violation of privacy but a calculated attempt to undermine her work as a journalist and human rights advocate.

The consequences were far-reaching. Sensitive information about her communications and networks was exposed, potentially putting her colleagues and allies at risk.

Karman spoke out strongly against the attack, calling it an assault on freedom of expression. In an interview with Al Jazeera, she announced her intention to pursue legal action against the UAE and those involved, emphasizing the global stakes of such violations. “This isn’t just a breach of my privacy; it’s part of a larger campaign to suppress voices fighting for justice,” she said.

Despite the intrusion, Karman remains undeterred. Her resolve to challenge authoritarian practices, whether in the physical or digital world, has only strengthened.

Primary sources:

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-spying-karma/ https://www.tawakkolkarman.net/news/1941-tawakkol-karman-in-an-interview-with-al-jazeera-net-we-will-sue-uae-and-those-whom-it-used-for-spying%20

Secondary sources:

https://www.derstandard.at/story/1317019664741/friedensnobelpreis-tawakul-karman-leymah-gbowee-und-ellen-johnson-sirleafhttps://www.spiegel.de/thema/tawakkul_karman/https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-spying-karma/

According to a report by the Hemaiah Center for Human rights Yemen lacks comprehensive digital rights and data protection laws, leaving digital privacy largely unprotected. The Constitution guarantees communication confidentiality (Article 53). However, these measures are insufficient.

According to a report by the non profit organization Access Now from 2018 Yemen has no laws or legislation protecting digital privacy. Additionally there are many cases of private information leaked by governmental organization and sources quoting that Yemen security institution have access to servers and backdoors to YemenNet a very large regional Internet service provider.

Issues like internet censorship, such as blocking platforms in 2023 during unrest (according to human right organisation article 19), and the failure to address online gender-based violence highlight the gaps in protections (according to Amnesty International). Comprehensive legislation is needed to address these challenges effectively.

Primary Sources:

https://www.article19.org/resources/yemen-human-rights-groups-condemn-internet-blocking-and-censorship/

https://www.giswatch.org/sites/default/files/a_country_in_transition_with_its_share_of_cyber_challenges.pdf

https://www.accessnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/UPR-Yemen-digital-rights-1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt

https://hemaiahcenter.org/the-yemeni-laws-governing-collection-of-personal-data/?lang=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Secondary sources:
https://www.law-democracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Yemen.FOI_.May121.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_in_Yemen