Palau Passes Bill protecting citizens from unauthorized image distribution

BY: Eustoria Marie Borja

Koror, Palau – In a significant move to safeguard privacy rights, the Palau National Congress has passed House Bill No. 11-76-8S, HD1, SD2, CD1, criminalizing the unauthorized distribution of sensitive and intimate images. The legislation, which passed its third reading on October 8, 2024, in both the House of Delegates and the Senate, establishes both criminal penalties and civil remedies for those who distribute such images without consent.

The bill's passage highlights a growing awareness of privacy concerns in the digital era, as the unauthorized sharing of private images has been increasingly recognized as a violation of individual rights. The new law allows victims of such image-based offenses to pursue civil action, providing them with a legal path to seek damages and hold offenders accountable.

Supporters of the bill emphasize that this legislation is a necessary response to protect citizens' dignity and privacy in a time when digital breaches are not only more common but can have lasting consequences. By passing this bill, Palau is taking a firm stance on privacy rights and signaling its commitment to protecting individuals from harmful actions online.

With the new legislation in place, Palauan citizens are better equipped with legal tools to address privacy violations, underscoring the government's dedication to adapting laws to the realities of a digital world.