Violations of personal privacy and security: legal protection against threats and blackmail

Everyone has the right to protection of their safety, honour, dignity and private life. Using personal information, photographs or messages to intimidate someone, demand money or compel actions may violate these rights. Such pressure should not be dismissed as “a private disagreement.”

Blackmail exploits fear and concerns about reputation. Messages such as “Pay me or I will share your messages” or “Do what I demand or I will tell your family” are serious warning signs. The person responsible may be an acquaintance, former partner or stranger online. A previous close relationship does not authorise threats.

Under Article 165 of the Criminal Code, demanding property, property rights or financial benefits through threats to disclose confidential information or spread discrediting fabrications may constitute extortion. Pressure involving other demands is assessed according to its nature and the relevant statutory elements.

Article 141³ establishes liability for distributing photographs or videos of a person’s naked body or genitals without consent, or threatening such distribution. It does not apply identically to every photograph or conversation. Other violations of privacy may fall under different legal protections. Sending an image to one person does not mean consenting to further distribution.

If you receive threats, prioritise safety. Do not meet the blackmailer alone or respond with threats. Sending money or further intimate material does not guarantee that demands will stop. You do not have to wait for information to be published before contacting the police.

When safe, preserve threatening text, account names, telephone numbers, payment demands and incident times. Do not download sexual images of minors again or forward them to others. If material has been published, report it to the platform and request removal. Review account security from a safe device and change passwords where necessary.

Support from a trusted person and advice from a lawyer can help you navigate the situation. Blaming the affected person or disclosing their private information increases the pressure. Responsibility for blackmail rests with the person committing it. Seeking help is a way to protect your rights and safety.