A Guide to Revenge Porn Laws in South Africa
Since 2020, revenge porn has been illegal in South Africa, following the signing of the Films and Publications Amendment Act 11 of 2019 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This law marks a major step in protecting individuals from the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos, also known as image-based abuse.
What is Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn is a form of digital abuse. It happens when someone shares nude or sexual photos or videos of another person without their permission. This can include a current or ex-partner sharing private content to hurt, shame, or control the person. Sometimes, they may even use the threat of sharing these images to blackmail or scare the person.
In South Africa, revenge porn is a crime. In 2020, the Films and Publications Amendment Act (Act 11 of 2019) was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This law makes it illegal to share private sexual images or videos without the person’s consent, especially if it’s done to cause them harm.
The law says:
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- You may not post, send, or share any sexual photos or videos of someone without their clear permission.
- If you knowingly share these private images to hurt someone, you can be fined up to R150,000 or jailed for up to 2 years.
- If the person in the photo or video can be clearly identified, the punishment is even harsher – a fine of up to R300,000 or jail time of up to 4 years, or both.
- This law is meant to protect your privacy and dignity. Sharing someone’s private sexual content without consent is not just wrong, it’s illegal.
Fake Threats and Scams: What if they are lying about having your images?
In some cases, perpetrators don’t actually have explicit photos or videos, they’re just scamming or threatening victims in an attempt to scare, shame, or extort them. If someone is threatening to leak nudes that don’t exist, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Don’t respond to threats: Engaging might encourage them to keep pushing.
- Block the person: Stop their access to you immediately on all platforms.
- Do not send anything to “prove” otherwise: Never send photos to “defend” yourself, this can be used against you or shared.
- Report the profile/account to the platform and take screenshots of all messages.
- Tell someone you trust: Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or support organisation — don’t keep it to yourself.
- Report it to the police or seek legal advice. Even fake threats meant to cause fear and emotional harm can be taken seriously.
What Should I Do If I’m a Victim of Revenge Porn?
If this has happened to you or someone you know, here’s what to do:
1. Collect Evidence: Save screenshots of the images or videos, and any messages or threats. This will help you build your case.
2. Report to the Police: Go to any police station. Give them the evidence and explain what happened. The police should open a case under the Films and Publications Amendment Act.
3. Get Legal Help: If the police don’t want to help, talk to a lawyer. If you can’t afford one, there are organisations that offer free legal advice for survivors:
4. Contact the Film and Publication Board (FPB): The FPB helps enforce this law. You can report the person to them too. They can help stop the content from spreading and take action against websites or platforms.
What does this law mean for victims of revenge porn?
The law protects your privacy and dignity. It gives you the right to take legal action against someone who shares your private sexual images or videos without your permission. If someone breaks this law, they can be:
- Fined up to R300,000
- Jailed for up to 4 years
- Or both
This law also recognizss that revenge porn causes real emotional and psychological harm. It helps victims feel seen, supported, and gives them a way to seek justice.
Click on one of the organisations below to arrange a legal counselling session:
Women’s Legal Centre – Call: 021 424 5660
Lawyers Against Abuse – Email: info@lva.org.za