Israeli Law Firm Warns Against Revenge Porn Threats After Breakups
Revenge porn, known in Hebrew as "pornography of revenge," is a serious issue arising often after breakups or divorces, where intimate photos or videos shared consensually during a relationship are later distributed without consent to humiliate the former partner. This harmful practice can involve sharing content on WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, pornographic websites, or even with mutual friends and family members. Israeli law treats such distribution as a severe offense, with penalties ranging from several months to up to five years in prison, especially when done intentionally for revenge.
The 2014 "Video Law," an amendment to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, criminalizes publishing sexual images or recordings without consent, emphasizing the critical importance of consent for both creation and distribution. Consent to be photographed does not imply consent to share the content publicly. Responsibility extends to anyone who forwards the material, not just the original distributor. Victims have the right to demand deletion of all intimate content after a relationship ends, as continued possession by an ex-partner violates privacy rights.
If threatened with exposure, experts advise immediate action rather than silence. Documenting all threats and communications is vital, and victims should report to the police since blackmail involving sexual content is itself a criminal offense. If content has already been posted online, victims should preserve evidence, request removal from platforms, file police complaints, and pursue civil lawsuits seeking compensation and court orders to prevent further dissemination.
Israeli courts have repeatedly underscored that divorce or separation does not grant license to violate privacy or distribute intimate content. Both men and women are protected equally under the law. Compensation can reach up to 120,000 shekels per publication, even without proving actual damage, and can be doubled if the act was malicious. Notable court rulings have imposed significant fines and prison sentences, reinforcing the gravity of revenge porn and its long-term psychological harm.
Legal experts and support centers encourage victims not to face these challenges alone, offering free legal and emotional assistance. The key message is that victims retain control and legal recourse, and swift documentation and reporting are crucial to stopping abuse and holding perpetrators accountable.
