Of Mai TT and the continued revenge porn scourge

Social media star Mai TT had that horrible experience of having her nude pictures sprayed all over without her consent.

And she says the person she blames is her now ex-husband, Tinashe Maphosa.

Mai TT, real name Felistas Mutara, has alleged that this done in cohoots with one Ketty Matomere, according to H-Metro.

A video of her nude has made Twitter and the response has largely been positive, with many backing her, via Facebook Live or posting images of her with words of encouragement.

Now, we must make it clear that what she says, remain allegations. She says Maphosa was the only one she shared exposed pictures with during their marriage.

And it is in this context we talk about this.

Revenge porn has largely been a phenomenon of the social media age where jilted ex-partners tend to use it as weapon against those who removed them.

In many countries, including Zimbabwe, legislation now exists.

The Data Protection Act of 2021 says

”Any person who unlawfully and intentionally by means of a computer or information system makes available, broadcasts or distributes a data message containing any intimate image or video of an identifiable person without the consent of the person concerned or with recklessness as to the lack of consent of the person concerned, with the aim of causing the humiliation or embarrassment of such person shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.”.

A Level 10 fine is USD700, or the equivalent in Zimbabwe Dollars.

As it stands, the law has largely gone untested. That has meant people have continued with reckless abandon, publishing explicit material without consent.

In this instance, Mai TT says she has reported them to police in Zimbabwe and the countries of residence where the people she accuses stay.

In most cases, reports are not made as many feel the shame that came with the vulnerability and that it will be known to all. Add to that, a lack of belief in the justice system.

Sure, we can talk about education, but without the stick that is punishment, we can only go so far.