Justice ministry mulls harsher penalties for revenge porn

The Justice Ministry is considering introducing new, stricter legislation for crimes relating to the illegal sharing and distribution of sensitive personal information, whether on the Internet or through other means.

Kathimerini understands the ministry is thinking about making revenge porn a felony, which will also entail stricter penalties. The current legislation classifies the act as a misdemeanor, and for criminal charges the victim must press charges.

According to the same sources, the penalties will be even harsher when sharing revenge porn concerns an underage victim.

This is part of the wider legal framework protecting minors and socially vulnerable groups, where additional efforts to protect victims and punish perpetrators are deemed necessary

These reforms are being considered in the aftermath of allegations against TV presenter Stathis Panagiotopoulos, who is accused of leaking sexually explicit videos and photos of his ex-partner. The ex-partner had sued the TV presenter over two years ago, with the trial being delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.