Intimate Videos Shared by an Ex: When Is It Revenge Porn and How Can You Prove It?
Intimate Videos Shared by an Ex: When Is It Revenge Porn and How Can You Prove It?
Sharing private photos or videos without consent is a serious crime. This article explains what revenge porn is, how to protect yourself, what evidence to gather, and how to remove harmful content from the internet.
What Is Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn happens when a former partner shares sexually explicit material without your permission. This act is not just a violation of privacy—it’s a crime that can cause immense emotional pain and is punishable by law.
Legal Consequences for Sharing Private Videos
According to Article 612-ter of the Penal Code, sharing intimate photos or videos without consent can lead to:
- Imprisonment: 1 to 6 years
- Fines: Up to 15,000 euros
It’s important to know that consenting to private photos or videos does not mean consenting to public sharing. Even if you voluntarily sent a photo to your partner, they cannot share it publicly.
Is Forwarding the Video Also a Crime?
Yes. The law punishes not only the original person who shares the content but also anyone who forwards it with the intent to harm. This means:
- Sharing an intimate video in a group chat or with others to humiliate someone is illegal.
- Chain sharing can lead to jail time.
How to Collect Evidence
If your private videos have been shared, don’t delete anything. You will need evidence to file a report. Collect:
- Screenshots of posts, chats, or websites where the content appears
- URLs of offending pages
- Witnesses who saw the content or received the messages
If the sender is anonymous, the police can track them through technical investigations like IP tracing.
Tip: Save threatening messages from the ex, such as warnings that they will share your images. These messages can be used as proof.
When Are Penalties Increased?
Penalties get harsher if the crime is committed:
- By a spouse or former partner
- Using digital tools (social media, WhatsApp, Telegram)
- Against someone vulnerable (such as a pregnant woman)
In these cases, the law recognizes the betrayal of trust and increased harm to the victim.
What If the Video Is Fake? (Deepfakes)
New technology allows creating fake videos that look real by using AI (called deepfakes). The law now punishes anyone who shares these fake videos to harm or deceive others.
Example:
If someone uses an app to put your face on another person’s body and spreads the video, it’s a crime under the new deepfake law (Article 612-quater).
How to Remove Private Content from the Web
After filing a criminal complaint (within 6 months of the incident), take these steps:
- Request the Public Prosecutor to block or seize the web pages hosting the content
- Report the content to social media platforms and the Privacy Authority to have it removed quickly
- You may seek compensation for emotional and material damage by joining the criminal trial as a civil party
Conclusion
Revenge porn is a serious violation with legal consequences. Understanding your rights and how to collect evidence can help protect you and stop the spread of harmful content. If you become a victim, act quickly and seek support from the authorities to reclaim your privacy and peace of mind.
VGS Family Lawyers is a law firm that offers assistance to English-speaking clients with interests in Italy. In case you need assistance, please write to: info@vgslawyers.com.