What if I told you the way to avoid your intimate images of yourself spreading around Facebook was to send it to them?
Facebook is launching an initiative that will allow up to 5 specialist technicians to look at a nude photo you have sent them. The specialists will then give the photo a ‘digital fingerprint’. The process – known has hashing – will involve the code being stored in a database. If the photo you have sent to Facebook is uploaded to their site again it will immediately be blocked.
When it comes to these technologies, there is no guarantee. Photos can be manipulated so the code does not match. However, the tech is getting stronger and more accurate.
In men, cases of revenge porn are often made up of extortion. Gangs can pose as women on the internet and trick people into believing they are interacting with someone in real time. They are then filmed without consent and blackmailed for large sums of money. Furthermore, there is a stereotype that revenge porn is simply about an ex exploiting a selfie you have sent. There is still a long way to go in terms of videos, sex-tapes, and non-consent.
For instance, Chrissy Chambers fought for 4 and a half years for the copyright of a video she made with an ex-boyfriend which he posted on the internet. Her ex-boyfriend posted the videos before the UK law came into effect, making it very difficult to pursue justice.
“The offence will cover photographs or films. Which show people engaged in sexual activity or depicted in a sexual way or with their genitals exposed, where what is shown would not usually be seen in public.”
Those convicted of revenge porn will face a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.
Facebook trailed the system in Australia. They are now extending the trial to the UK, US, and Canada. Although, there are loopholes with this system – manipulating the photo, it falling into the wrong hand etc. – It seems like action is being taken over this unjust thing. Hopefully, it won’t take other women or men 4.5 years to end their exploitation.
Read here about more of Facebooks censoring.
