Digital Sex Crimes: iCloud Hack Scandal

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With recent media sites like 4Chan and Reddit being in the firing line after the reporting of naked photos of celebrities we are asked to look at privacy, digital culture and sexual harassment
The iCloud hack which has allowed nude photos of celebrities to be shared beyond their control has been behind the allegations.
The iPhone is a celebrities preferred phone of choice as many celebs are snapped holding, tapping or on a call with an iPhone in hand. Phone hacking has been a constant topic of discussing in journalism, but when its citizens who do the hacking who can you sue?
Its not yet know if 4Chan and Reddit are behind the photos, but one thing is straight-forward, it has some seriously strange code of conduct and morals if it has.
The list of celebrities who have been affected cover Jennifer Lawrence, Hope Solo, Emma Watson, Kate Upton, Amber Heard, Nick Hogan (the first male) and Kelly Brooke.
A lot of naysayers have questioned a celebs privacy, saying that because they sell photos of their body via calendars that they don't have the right. J-Law counters this, believing what has been done to her is secondly a violation of privacy and firstly a sex crime.

She said: "It is a sexual violation. It’s disgusting. The law needs to be changed, and we need to change. That’s why these Web sites are responsible. Just the fact that somebody can be sexually exploited and violated, and the first thought that crosses somebody’s mind is to make a profit from it. It’s so beyond me." Source Hollywood Online


Hope Solo a US Soccer star, who has won two gold medals, seconds that saying in the Independent "This act goes beyond the bounds of human decency and, as such, I stand united with all the women affected and am exploring every option to protect my privacy." Source Independent


The FBI and apple are currently investigating the case, and two female spokeswomen have stated that the matter at hand will be dealt with as promptly and efficiently as possible. The independent reported, Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the FBI, said the Bureau is “aware of the allegations concerning computer intrusions and the unlawful release of material involving high profile individuals, and is addressing the matter”.

The best outcome for the 101 actresses, models and singers involved would be that the original perpetrators be tried for their crime, not only is this an invasion of privacy its also copyright law which will hold very heavily in court. On the other hand the culprits could argue that the pictures are in the "public interest", this excuse is mainly used by journalist editors when they wish to publish a story that invades someones rights, however as these culprits may not belong to any journalist group they could indeed not have that excuse to stand on.

While the subject might not be a legal matter as it might not be breaking the law, its still a civil matter to all those involved, the 101 celebrities might as well band together to make a solid case against the culprit on the grounds of defamation. These types of photos, as they are very intimate, can change perceptions of certain stars. If we allow them to be defamed because they are doing what any other non-famous person would do, we are holding them to ransom at their own humanity.
Ultimately celebrities shouldn't be afraid of acting normal, because they are a figurehead, without fear of persecution or ridicule.

 

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