Cyberflashing

Definition & description

Cyberflashing is the act of sending unwanted sexually explicit photographs, specifically images or videos of genitals, without the consent of the recipient. It can happen through social media or text messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more. An increasingly common method is also through Apple’s Air Drop feature or Bluetooth.

This is the online version of physical flashing in public spaces and yet it is often not taken seriously by law enforcers or the society. Cyberflashing is a form of sexual intrusion and can induce real sense of paralysing fear, especially for younger women and girls.

Incident response: What do I do?

Block and mute. Most social media platforms also allowed users to pre-emptively filter or block messages from strangers. Third party plug-ins are also available to block and delete any dick picture sent to user's direct messaging platforms.

Reporting it. Almost all social media and digital platforms has its own reporting tools for unwanted dick pictures. Find out more on reporting to social media here. Reporting is a significant step that you can take when you come across a non-consensual image being shared online—you can do so whether you are the victim or an ally.

Reporting it to MCMC. Unlike England, there is no specific laws that penalises act of sending unwanted sexually explicit photo to another. Cyberflashing remained largely underreported in Malaysia too. However, sharing of "obscene" content online is considered illegal under the Communication and Multimedia Act. Our Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission has a complaint form where they are able to assess when content is not aligned with their policy (Posting ‘obscene’ content is against MCMC’s guidelines). You may find the complaint form here.

Laws in Malaysia on cyberflashing

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia renders it an offence when a person makes, creates, or solicits any content that is obscene, indecent, false, menacing, or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 penalises any act of sexual harassment which is defined as "any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, in any form, whether verbal, non-verbal, visual, gestural or physical, directed at a person which is reasonably offensive or humiliating or is a threat to his well-being". This will extend to sexual harassment committed or assisted by digital technologies.