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Original poster

Paraphilias, Cyberflashing and the Online Safety Bill

36 replies

ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 16:28

Article on 'cyberflashing' (I think what is often known as 'unsolicited dick pics') and considering the potential adding of this as a crime to the OSB.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-59615944

'Cyber-flashing has become increasingly common during the pandemic as people spend more time online, campaigners have said.

On Tuesday, a joint committee of MPs will publish its report on the UK government's draft Online Safety Bill, aimed at introducing tougher regulations for social media firms.

Cyber-flashing is not included in the bill, but campaigners and MPs backing the change hope it will be added and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said it should be illegal.'

I have the feeling we really need to talk about sex crimes like flashing (Sarah Everard's case showed the potential seriousness of the crime), exhibitionism and coercing women into being witness to sexual fetishism, etc.

Here's a (very basic) article on various 'paraphilias'.

www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/paraphilias-overview

'abnormal sexual behaviors or impulses characterized by intense sexual fantasies and urges that keep coming back. '

'Most paraphilias are rare and are about 20 times more common among males than among females. However, the reason for this disparity is not clearly understood. While several of these disorders are associated with aggressive behavior, others are not aggressive or harmful. Some paraphilias such as pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, sadism, and frotteurism are criminal offenses.'

Article doesn't go into detail about the potential for paraphilias to escalate, which is a concern I have.

OP posts:
Original poster
ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 17:04

There are far more powerful men that like dressing up as coppers

This also sounds concerning. You are aware we may need to be considering many different paraphilias and fetishes that all have the potential to be harmful? Do you have any references/links to evidence of what you're talking about?

OP posts:
Original poster
ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 17:03

But I would add, don't put words in my mouth. THAT is incredibly ignorant.

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Original poster
ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 17:02

Eh?

Perry has talked about how he wears certain outfits in order to get an erection/achieve sexual satisfaction. This is a paraphilia. Did you read the article?

OP posts:
CorrBlimeyGG · 12/12/2021 17:00

You're suggesting Grayson Perry has the potential to be a sex offender? That's a terrible accusation to make. Incredibly ignorant.

There are far more powerful men that like dressing up as coppers. But I guess they're OK by you.

Original poster
ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 16:58

Thanks, Solas. There seems to be no will at all to even begin to tackle misogyny and VAWG.

OP posts:
SolasAnla · 12/12/2021 16:54

Post and phone legislation has had obscene publication sections for years.
And all the laws are of no use unless the powers that be use them to charge offenders.

If they can charge for car tax and insurance they could do it for dick pic's.
The evidence of sending is logged on the networks

Original poster
ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 16:51

I was actually thinking about Grayson Perry, who has talked about the effect of his outfits.

If you mean Couzens, he was a police officer, he wasn't dressing up.

OP posts:
CorrBlimeyGG · 12/12/2021 16:47

What outfits are you referring to Arabella? Is your concern around dodgy men dressing up as police officers?

Original poster
ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 16:43

Yep, I agree, Artichoke. It seems in some cases it can be a bit of a tricky subject to assess. We've had conversations here about men's excitement at wearing certain outfits (sexual excitement).

Is it acceptable for a male to be using people in public, their presence and responses, for sexual arousal? And how on earth can one navigate this?

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Original poster
ArabellaScott · 12/12/2021 16:36

Also:

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10173643/Prosecutions-exposure-voyeurism-halved-six-years.html

'Police prosecutions of exposure and voyeurism cases have almost halved in six years while cases have risen by a staggering 59 per cent'

(big pic of Couzens on that page)

OP posts:
Artichokeleaves · 12/12/2021 16:36

We absolutely need to talk about where the lines are about non consenting people being coerced into becoming part of someone else's sexual experience. Particularly when public spaces are used to gain access to those people and their presence (and reactions and discomfort) may be an active part of the desired experience.

We also need to be clear about to what extent this is a sex based crime, and whether therefore the needs of sex based groups and spaces should be differently considered.