“Nudes”, these photos taken by teenagers of their own naked bodies, are legally considered child pornography if the protagonists are minors. The police are overwhelmed with reports. They have introduced prevention courses.
At the orientation and professional training center in Lausanne, François Nanchen, inspector in charge of prevention with the Vaud police, gives a somewhat special course. It explains to young people aged 15 to 25 the pitfalls to avoid in terms of cybercrime.
“We’re a whole team in a Whatsapp group, and suddenly there’s one who has the good idea to send a porn video for laughs, without warning. All it takes is for one person in the group to be shocked by this content , she has the right to file a complaint.
Evolution of the law
The objective is to raise awareness of the risks, but above all of the law, which is constantly evolving to respond to new practices. Social pressure pushes young people in particular to film themselves on the simplest device with their phone, to send the content to their boyfriend. This is what we call a “nude”.
“Pornographic content that involves people under the age of 18 remains prohibited, it remains considered child pornography. But there are exemptions,” explains François Nanchen.
He specifies: “In fact, this exemption authorizes minors to exchange ‘nudes’, as long as they are not more than three years apart, and that they know each other in real life. So young people who only know each other through the internet, that doesn’t work.”
Hide your face
Minors who film themselves naked are less worried than before July 1, the date the new provisions came into force. On the other hand, people who distribute this content and engage in “revenge porn” (disclosure porn) now face more serious sanctions: at least a monetary penalty, and up to three years of deprivation of liberty.
But it’s not just the law that comes into play. Society can punish the protagonists of these exchanges even more harshly, and the victims even more.
“If you really want to do ‘nudes’, make sure that this photo cannot be used against you. For example, don’t put your face in the photo. Don’t put the decor in your room,” advises François. Nanchen.
“Empowering boys”
Invited in the 7:30 p.m., gender and sexuality specialist Coline de Senarclens, sees these courses favorably. However, she warns: “Be careful not to give advice that makes the people who produce these photos feel more guilty.”
The author of “Porno, let’s talk about it” (edited by Favre) calls for an emphasis on the people who receive these photos. “When we receive photos of someone, it creates great responsibilities. We must talk about it, make the boys responsible, remind them that the distribution of photos is not only prohibited, but morally extremely reprehensible and serious.”
Coline de Senarclens also emphasizes a point that we may tend to forget: “We must also remind them that these photos must be destroyed at one point or another, because your phone can be stolen , he can be hacked, etc.”
>> The interview with Coline de Senarclens in the 7:30 p.m.:
Cecilia Mendoza/asch
Related News :