Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Voyeurism and Revenge Porn by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Miss Cheng Li Hui: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs with regard to voyeurism and revenge porn (a) whether the Government conducts studies on how other countries deal with the issue; (b) what measures is the Government considering to deal with the issue and to protect victims; and (c) whether there will be specific measures to protect minors.

Answer:

1. The Penal Code Review Committee (“PCRC”) had looked into voyeurism, and the distribution of intimate images without consent. In coming up with its recommendations, the PCRC studied other countries’ approaches, namely England, Wales, Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

2. The PCRC has recommended to make it an offence to take, possess, distribute, or access voyeuristic images; and to distribute or to threaten to distribute intimate images. The PCRC has also recommended enhancing the punishments, and particularly when a victim of these offences is below 14 years of age.

3. The Government has completed its public consultation on the PCRC’s recommendations, and is studying the feedback. We will announce our response on the various issues within the next couple of months.