Introduction
In an increasingly digital world, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. The Ghana Cybersecurity Act 2020 represents a significant step forward in protecting individuals from various online threats. Today, we'll focus on a particularly insidious form of cybercrime: sexual extortion. This blog post aims to raise awareness about the Act's provisions regarding the posting or possession of people's private pictures and videos without consent.
The urgency of this topic cannot be overstated. According to a recent alert from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), there has been a staggering 254% year-on-year increase in online blackmail cases for the first two months of 2024. An additional 141 reports were filed between March and June, bringing the total to 226 cases so far this year, resulting in a loss of GH₵ 112,209.
Understanding Sexual Extortion
Sexual extortion, often referred to as "sextortion," is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to distribute private and sensitive material if the victim doesn't provide images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money. The Cybersecurity Act 2020 addresses various forms of sexual extortion, including threats involving both adults and minors.
Modus Operandi of Perpetrators:
Threat actors initiate friendships on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, later moving conversations to WhatsApp.
They lure victims into intimate relationships, encouraging nude video calls on WhatsApp that are secretly recorded.
Some actors initiate unsolicited video calls, capture the target's face, and manipulate images to create explicit content.
In some cases, they gain unauthorized access to private photos and videos when victims' mobile devices are taken for repair.
The malicious actors then threaten to release compromising material unless the victim pays a ransom.
Key Points of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 on Sexual Extortion
A. Section 66: Sexual Extortion: This section prohibits threatening to distribute private sexual images or videos with the intent to harass, threaten, coerce, intimidate, or extort. It covers both adults and children, with severe penalties for offenders.
B. Section 67: Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images: This provision criminalizes the distribution of intimate images without consent, especially when there's an intention to cause serious emotional distress.
C. Section 68: Threat to Distribute Prohibited Intimate Images: The Act also makes it illegal to threaten the distribution of intimate images in a way that would cause distress or fear to the victim.
Impact on Individuals
The Cybersecurity Act 2020 offers significant protection against sexual extortion:
It prohibits the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Offenders face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 25 years for sexual extortion and up to 3 years for non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Raising Awareness
Understanding these laws is crucial for everyone:
Know your rights: If someone threatens you with private images or videos, it's illegal, and you can seek legal help.
Be cautious about sharing intimate content, even with people you trust.
Use strong privacy settings on social media and other online platforms.
Be aware of the risks of sexting and sharing intimate images.
Conclusion
The Cybersecurity Act 2020 marks a significant step in combating sexual extortion and protecting individuals' online privacy. By understanding these laws and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone. Remember, if you're a victim of sexual extortion or non-consensual sharing of intimate images, you're not alone, and the law is on your side. Stay informed, stay safe, and let's work together to make the internet a better place for all.