The sharing of a video involving two boys who were forced to perform sexual acts on each other is another example of how abusers can use technology perversely, says Online Safety Commissioner (OSC) Anne Dunn.
In a statement, she said the commission strongly condemned sharing explicit content on social media platforms and that sharing such content without consent was sexual harassment.
She also said the commission had witnessed a rise in reports of online abuse in recent months compared with the past two years and it was evident that intimate videos and images were widely shared on message platforms.
“Report it, block it, and do not share it.”
Meanwhile, the People’s Alliance also pleaded with the public to refrain from sharing the video.
In a statement, the party said it was deeply concerned about the incident and unequivocally condemned all forms of sexual misconduct, exploitation, violence, trafficking and abuse.
“All those responsible for the heinous act must be dealt with appropriately within the full ambit of the law,” the statement read.
The party also called on relevant government authorities and police to assist in providing the required medical and counselling services needed for the healing and protection of the victims, the party stated.
