Cyber flashing is a kind of sexual harassment that appeared with the introduction of cloud technologies. Situations that are viewed as cyber flashing are those in which a person receives an unwanted sexual picture on their device via any file-sharing tool like AirDrop, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

Most often, people report cyber flashing when they are in public places, like trains, buses, or shopping malls. The problem is that you can never identify who is trying to send you an image because you can only see a preview and the name of the device on your screen.

This form of harassment is relatively new, and lawmakers are still debating how to approach this type of crime. 

Is it against the law?

For now, just two states in the US have laws against cyber flashing, and these states are California and Texas.    

In Texas, a person caught with cyber flashing has to pay a fine of $500. In California, the law is more strict, and if the perpetrator is older than 18, they can be taken to court on top of paying fees. 

Other states in the country are still working on the laws that would allow for cutting down this type of misdemeanor. For example, New York is drafting a bill that would assume the punishment of $500 and short jail time, and we can only hope that one day a federal law will be issued. 

How can you protect yourself from cyber flashing

Although it is hard to control an information flow coming into your mobile device, there are still some measures you can take to prevent cyber flashing from taking place.

Take a look at a few tips that could help you to do that:

• Do not share your contact details with people who you do not know
• If a stranger sends you a friend request on social media, do not accept it
• If an unidentified device is trying to pair with yours, do not allow it
• Do not turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi in public places. In case you need to do them, disable AirDrop first.

If you face cyber flashing

If you become a victim of cyber flashing, report it to the police without any delays. This way, you can help police officers gather the most up-to-date information, and perhaps, they will be able to track the perpetrator’s activity in this public place later on.

If you know the person who sent you unsolicited sexual images, you can reach out to a local sexual harassment lawyer who will advise you on your further steps.