Bill tabled to address scourge of ‘revenge porn’

 Labor tables bill to tackle the misuse of online private images
 Other states have acted, Tasmania has to respond
 Victims deserve to be empowered

Labor Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy, Madeleine Ogilvie, has tabled a bill to address the misuse of online private images, including what is commonly referred to as ‘revenge porn’.

Ms Ogilvie said the Civil Digital Communications Bill puts power into the hands of victims of online abuse and harassment.

“Current laws have not kept up with advances in technology, particularly when it comes to harassment and publishing of private images via social media. There is currently no enforceable right for a victim to have private images removed from these platforms,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“Other states and territories have acted to implement new laws regarding misuse of private images, harassment and stalking by electronic means.

“The CDC bill establishes new rights for victims of online harassment including importantly ‘take down’ orders and injunctions which under the proposed law reforms may be secured through the Tasmanian Magistrates Court.

“Enforceable orders put real power into the hands of victims.”

Ms Ogilvie said she hoped tabling the Bill would prompt the Liberal Government to take this issue more seriously.

“This issue is one of the deepest concern for Tasmanian families, particularly in light of recent high profile cases relating to Tasmanian schools.

“We need the Government to show more leadership in leading a community conversation about the appropriate use of digital platforms. But it is also important we provide legal protections for vulnerable Tasmanians.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy