The "Videos Law" is the nickname of an amendment to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, which added Section 3(A)(5A).
What does the Videos Law provide?
The "Videos Law" is the nickname of an amendment to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, which added Section 3(A)(5A). The section provides that publishing a photograph, video, or recording of a person, focusing on that person's sexuality, in circumstances in which the publication is liable to humiliate or degrade the person, and without that person's consent to the publication, constitutes sexual harassment punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment. This is the most severe punishment in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, and it reflects the legislature's position: dissemination of intimate content is a serious harm that must not be taken lightly.
Critical point: consent to filming is not consent to distribution
Even when the filming itself was done with full consent, within a relationship, distributing it without consent constitutes a complete criminal offense. Moreover, the law does not distinguish between the first distributor and the tenth distributor in the chain: the very act of passing the content on, whether in a closed WhatsApp group or with a single click on "forward," constitutes prohibited publication. Many of those investigated for this offense are law-abiding people who received a video and passed it on without understanding the criminal significance.
Monetary compensation without proof of damage
Alongside the criminal proceeding, a person harmed by the distribution may claim compensation of up to 120,000 NIS without proof of damage, from each distributor separately. The meaning: an entire chain of distributors may face cumulative lawsuits in very high amounts.
Under investigation on suspicion of distribution? Harmed by distribution?
If you were summoned for questioning, do not give a version before receiving advice: the question of what you knew, what you shared, and with whom, is what will determine the fate of the case. If you were harmed by the distribution of intimate content, act quickly: documenting the evidence, filing a complaint, and requesting removal of the content are steps whose delay increases the damage.
Legal representation in Video Law cases
Advocate Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents both suspects and defendants in these offenses and victims seeking to bring the offenders to justice and receive compensation. Contact us for an initial consultation without obligation.
What does the Videos Law provide?
The "Videos Law" is the nickname of an amendment to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, which added Section 3(A)(5A). The section provides that publishing a photograph, video, or recording of a person, focusing on that person's sexuality, in circumstances in which the publication is liable to humiliate or degrade the person, and without that person's consent to the publication, constitutes sexual harassment punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment. This is the most severe punishment in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, and it reflects the legislature's position: dissemination of intimate content is a serious harm that must not be taken lightly.
A critical point: consent to being filmed is not consent to distribution — what is important to know?
Even when the filming itself was done with full consent, within a relationship, distributing it without consent constitutes a complete criminal offense. Moreover, the law does not distinguish between the first distributor and the tenth distributor in the chain: the very act of passing the content on, whether in a closed WhatsApp group or with a single click on "forward," constitutes prohibited publication. Many of those investigated for this offense are law-abiding people who received a video and passed it on without understanding the criminal significance.
Financial compensation without proof of damage — what is important to know?
Alongside the criminal proceeding, a person harmed by the distribution may claim compensation of up to 120,000 NIS without proof of damage, from each distributor separately. The meaning: an entire chain of distributors may face cumulative lawsuits in very high amounts.
Under investigation on suspicion of distribution? Harmed by distribution?
If you were summoned for questioning, do not give a version before receiving advice: the question of what you knew, what you shared, and with whom, is what will determine the fate of the case. If you were harmed by the distribution of intimate content, act quickly: documenting the evidence, filing a complaint, and requesting removal of the content are steps whose delay increases the damage.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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