The Rise of Revenge Porn Laws: Protecting Students in the Digital Age

Rebekah Harrison-Smith -

In an era where digital intimacy is part of everyday life, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, commonly known as "revenge porn", has become a growing concern, particularly among students. Despite evolving legislation, enforcement gaps and cultural stigma continue to leave many young people vulnerable.

What Is Revenge Porn?

Often better referred to as intimate image abuse, this form of digital harm involves the sharing or threat of sharing private, sexual images or videos without consent. Victims are frequently targeted by ex-partners or individuals seeking to control, shame, or blackmail.

  • Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015: Made it a criminal offence to disclose private sexual images with intent to cause distress.
  • Online Safety Act 2023: A major update that
    • Criminalises the sharing, threatening to share, and recording of intimate images without consent.
    • Removes the need to prove "intent to cause distress," making prosecutions easier.

Despite these advances, legal experts and campaigners say enforcement remains inconsistent and conviction rates are low.

Why Students Are at Risk

  • High digital engagement: Students often use digital platforms for communication, dating, and intimacy.
  • Social dynamics: On campus, close-knit communities can amplify the spread and impact of image-based abuse.
  • Stigma: Victims often fear judgment, reputational damage, or not being believed.

Enforcement and Support Gaps

Many students don’t report incidents due to:

  • Lack of awareness of their legal rights.
  • Uneven university reporting systems and disciplinary procedures.
  • Poor police responses and a lack of trauma-informed support.

The Role of Student Advocacy

Students and campus organisations are leading change by:

  • Campaigning for comprehensive digital consent education.
  • Establishing survivor support groups.
  • Pressuring universities to adopt clearer, more compassionate policies.

What Needs to Change

  • Improved enforcement: Training for police, clearer guidance, and university collaboration.
  • Education: Teaching digital boundaries and healthy relationships early.
  • Support structures: Accessible, confidential, and survivor-focused services.

Conclusion

While the law is beginning to catch up with the realities of intimate image abuse, meaningful protection for students still relies on cultural change, institutional accountability, and ongoing advocacy. In the digital age, understanding and upholding consent online is as essential as in person.

Sources to Cite:

  1. UK Government, "Online Safety Act 2023 Overview": https://www.gov.uk/government/news/online-safety-bill-passes
  2. Crown Prosecution Service, "Image-Based Abuse Guidance": https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/image-based-abuse
  3. Revenge Porn Helpline: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/
  4. BBC News, "Online Safety Act Explained": https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67125671
  5. Brook, "Digital Consent Education for Young People": https://www.brook.org.uk/