Revenge Porn: The Shocking Reality Behind Digital Revenge
Picture This
When you hear “revenge porn”, you probably picture a grumpy ex‑boyfriend hacking into your selfies to stir up drama. But reality is far messier—and a lot more gender‑biased. In Singapore, the crime is not as neatly categorized, yet the consequences can still be devastating.
Case in Point
- Last year, a teen swore vengeance by posting his 17‑year‑old cousin’s naked photos on Tumblr after she ridiculed him.
- In 2016, a woman exposed her boyfriend’s ex‑girlfriend’s nude pictures because she was furious that he still had them on his laptop.
In both instances, the culprit wasn’t a heart‑broken lover. They were just emotionally runaway parents—male or female—looking for a way to feel powerful.
Why Is the Victim List Mostly Women?
Anisha Joseph of AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre explains that revenge porn is a twisted tool for control. When folks feel they can no longer directly dominate their romantic partners, they turn to the internet to manipulate public perception.
- Societal myths that women “owe” men affection and sex feed this abuse.
- Blackmail becomes a weapon when a woman turns down a man’s advances.
Ultimately, it’s about power, disregard for consent, and a toxic culture that uses body image to punish women.
The Legal Landscape
Singapore currently has laws against distributing obscene images, but there’s no specific “revenge porn” statute. That said, the intent behind the act matters:
- If you share nude photos specifically to torment a victim, you could face criminal intimidation plus the offence of distributing obscene images.
- Sharing a porn star’s photo is just the distribution charge—no intimidation.
Good news: a committee reviewing the Penal Code has proposed new provisions to criminalize revenge porn, voyeurism, and public flashing. The report was filed with the government last August, so there’s hope for tighter legislation soon.
Should You Stop Sending Intimate Pics?
Don’t let guilt cloud your judgment. Anisha warns that the blame shouldn’t lie on the victims. Technology is part of everyday life—exiting it isn’t a solution. Instead, you should focus on:
- Building honest and respectful relationships.
- Promoting gender equality and respecting consent.
- Acknowledging that online harassment has real, lasting harm.
Enjoy your sex life, but remember that once you hit “send,” you’re handing over guardianship of your own images. Control isn’t guaranteed.
Is Sending Nudes to Your Partner Illegal?
Only if it crosses the line into “distribution.” When you send nudes between two private parties, there’s no distribution in the legal sense. However, always consider the risk of accidental leaks.
Bottom line: consent, communication, and cautious sharing are your best defenses against becoming a victim—or accidentally becoming an offender.
For more nuances on how Singapore’s law interacts with digital privacy, stay tuned to legal updates coming from AWARE, the legal community, and legislative reforms.
