Police are urging residents, particularly young people, to stop taking intimate photos and videos, as these are increasingly being circulated on social media.
Although someone who spreads such videos or photos without consent could face criminal charges carrying a maximum prison sentence of seven years or a maximum fine of $200,000, it is not always possible to remove the media from the internet, police said.
“We will investigate each case which is reported to us, but the harsh reality is that we may never be able to stop the circulation of these images once they are released,” said John Antoin, the head of the Family and Juvenile Unit, adding, “Therefore, recovery from this tragic mistake is difficult.”