Administrative fines for secretly filming are too light, who can be deterred?

Under current law, if a secret filming is discovered (but not posted online, not distributed, and for the first time), the penalty is only an administrative fine. Many people believe that this is too light a punishment compared to the damage the victim has to endure.

While the case of young model Chau Bui being secretly filmed in the bathroom of a photo studio in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City is still causing a stir in public opinion, recently, on social networks, information has appeared about a female student who was shocked to discover a hidden camera in the bathroom of a 5-storey rented house in Yen Nghia Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi City, where she has lived for 3 years. A series of cases of secretly filming with hidden cameras being continuously discovered like this has made public opinion both angry and worried.

Criminologist, Associate Professor, Dr. Do Canh Thin said that anyone who hears information related to the behavior of using technical means to secretly film in toilets, motels, hotels, or public places to obtain other people's confidential information will have a very uneasy feeling. It not only affects the private life and safety of each person but also affects social order. Although this is not a new phenomenon, recently with the development of technology, these behaviors are quite complicated, social life. and tend to increase.

Dr. Do Canh Thin also affirmed that when each person's private, sensitive images are exploited by others, anyone would feel very ashamed and strongly hurt.

“The victim will feel insecure, uneasy, scared, and always feel like someone is watching them even in a safe environment. This also leads to crisis, depression, and affects their work, family, and future. Some people even become withdrawn and have many mental health problems,” Dr. Thin analyzed.

The toilet where the landlord installed a hidden camera.

To decode these uncivilized and immoral acts, Dr. Do Canh Thin said that the subjects perform secret filming for many different purposes. It could be out of curiosity, perversion, or to satisfy their sexual needs. This is also a form of sexual harassment, a pathological behavior, and a disorder of both psychology and physiology. To satisfy personal psychology and deviant interests, the subjects find every way to collect sensitive images of the victims.

In addition, many people secretly film for personal gain. These people post sensitive images online, sell information or use those videos and images to blackmail victims, creating pressure for victims to fulfill their wishes.

In addition, some people secretly film for the purpose of revenge due to conflicts and disagreements with the victim. They use sensitive videos and images as tools to pressure and take personal revenge.

Criminologist, Associate Professor, Dr. Do Canh Thin also acknowledged that the increasingly painful and widespread situation of secret filming stems from the fact that as society develops, there are many diverse forms in the approach to spiritual life and leads to many deviant cultural behaviors, affecting the awareness of a part of the population, especially the youth.

Especially with the help of modern machinery and equipment being sold widely, the ease of use is also a factor that makes secret filming as popular as it has been recently. Limited social awareness is also a source of nourishment for secret filming criminals to "run rampant". Many people do not have the awareness to protect themselves or simplify the problem, creating loopholes and opportunities for secret filming subjects to commit acts.

Chau Bui was shocked when she saw the secretly filmed images of herself.

According to current law, when secretly filming is discovered (but not posted online, not distributed, and for the first time), it is only an administrative penalty. Many people think that this is too light a punishment compared to the damage that the victim has to endure. According to Dr. Thin, the severity depends on the consequences. However, in reality, the handling of these violations is not thorough and timely, and the number of cases brought to justice is not many, so the goal of deterrence is not achieved.

So what solutions are needed to protect the privacy of each individual and prevent similar secret filming behaviors from happening again in the future?

Answering this question, Dr. Thin said that all people in society must respect the law and understand that such acts are violations of the law. If the level is mild, they can be administratively handled, if more serious, they must be criminally handled. In addition, each person needs to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to prevent themselves from becoming victims of secret filming. In addition, state management agencies also need to have propaganda and education measures. Owners of rental facilities, hotels, and public places must be aware of their responsibility to protect the privacy of customers. In particular, the voice of the victim is very important. The voice of the victim is an important basis for professional agencies to promptly investigate and handle the case.

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