IT’S TIME TO STOP TALKING and take action. No longer is it enough for the police to simply keep saying that it is a punishable offence to circulate shocking images over social media platforms.
We hear the same story over and over when gruesome pictures of those who lose their lives in road fatalities, or those who die in shooting or stabbing incidents, are quickly shared on Facebook, Instagram or even WhatsApp. Sadly, this caution has not yet served to deter those who continue to share these jarring pictures.
In fact, so blatant are the actions of the perpetrators that just hours after the last SUNDAY SUN published a report, stating that posting these graphic pictures was a crime, another picture went viral over social media. It was horrific and nothing less than insensitive that individuals would share the ghastly picture of 24-year-old Jamaine Williams lying in a pool of blood after he was gunned down at a fete in Clarke’s Gap, Spooners Hill, St Michael.
Just mere minutes after the incident occurred, the picture was seen and shared on cellphones all across this country. It is nothing short of disgusting, insensitive and cruel, particularly for the family members who are already grieving for their loved one.
In some cases in the past, some relatives only learnt of their loss through pictures shared on social media. Imagine the shock and the pain that followed.
What is our society coming to and what cruelty is being inflicted at the hands of uncaring people to those who are already hurting? These actions are indeed an indictment on our country and our people.
The police need to stop talking and start enforcing the law if this practice is to stop. Someone has to answer for this crime if others are to realise that the police mean business and it is not just another law that can be quoted and not actioned.
Section 14 of the Computer Misuse Act 2004 clearly states that anyone who receives these types of unwanted images or material should report it to the police, after which there will be an investigation. Further, anyone found guilty of the offence could be fined $10 000 or serve a term of 12 months in prison.
Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police David Welch explained the reach of the law, lest it be unclear to would-be culprits: “If that person sends a message or sends an electronic communication that is menacing in character or is obscene or indecent, and that person intends to cause or is reckless as to whether he causes annoyance, inconvenience, distress or anxiety to the recipient or another other person, he commits an offence.”
Even though the legislation is clear, to date there is no clear information of any arrests made under this legislation. This should not be, especially in light of the many pictures that continue to move across social media at warp speed. This does not only include pictures of crime, but also nude photos and child pornography.
Police officers need to uphold the law and act now. The time for talking has passed. Families are hurting and these senseless, insensitive pictures are causing them more pain.