Anyone who shares these images will face penalties
Austria has officially criminalized the sending of unsolicited sexual images. Starting from September 1st, anyone who sends images of genitalia without prior request now faces penalties under the new law.
The law, which applies to all platforms, was passed in July after years of debate. Lawmakers assert that the aim of this step is to enhance protection against sexual harassment and provide victims with stronger legal means.
Justice Minister Anna Sporrer from the SPÖ party welcomed this decision, describing it as a "long-awaited step." She explained that receiving such images without consent is not just an annoyance, but a blatant violation of privacy that often leaves victims feeling powerless, disgusted, and ashamed.
The authorities confirm that this law was enacted to fill a legal gap in combating digital harassment and to ensure that abusive acts such as sending unwanted nude images are treated as serious crimes.
With the implementation of this measure, Austria joins an increasing list of countries that criminalize the sharing of sexual images without consent, affirming that the digital space must be safe and respected just like public places.