Derk Boswijk, along with Songül Mutluer (GroenLinks/PvdA), has submitted an initiative bill to criminalize the distribution of images of victims. Sharing images of individuals who have been injured or have died, for example, after a car accident or assault, is a significant invasion of the victims privacy and reopens wounds for the bereaved. Derk Boswijk considers it pure sensationalism.
We all agree that it shouldnt happen, yet it does.
Derk Boswijk
Member of Parliament
The aim of the law is for bystanders to lend a helping hand instead of reaching for their phones. It has happened multiple times that relatives had to learn about the death of a loved one through social media before the police could properly inform them.
The problem of publicizing has become increasingly relevant over the years, says Derk. You see a coarsening in society, and more often, people use smartphones to capture victims. Filming is often seen as more important than helping. It is pure sensationalism.
If the bill is passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine of up to 9,000 euros will be imposed for first-time dissemination of victim images. The bill also includes exceptions for contributions to investigations.