Harm and Revenge in the Digital Space: Harmful Digital Communications Act Update (Paper)

Materials comprised of a Paper and PowerPoint Handout.

Presenters:

David Harvey, Retired District Court Judge

Chair & Commentator: Arran Hunt, Partner, Stace Hammond

Synopsis:

Aimed at deterring, preventing, and mitigating harm caused to individuals by digital communications, and providing victims of harmful digital communications with a quick and efficient means of redress, the Harmful Digital Communications Act, or HDCA, has been part of our law for almost 7 years. But how well is the legislation working, and is it meeting its stated purposes?

With coverage of the principles, offence provisions, civil and criminal procedures and case law, as well as delving into how the HDCA is working and issues arising, these materials will provide a valuable update for those dealing with matters under it.

These materials will help you:

(In respect of the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015):

• Refresh your knowledge of the legislative framework.
• Develop a better understanding of the offence provision (s 22) and revenge porn provision (s 22A), including the respective types of cases, procedure and penalties thereunder.
• Become better apprised of what civil enforcement looks like in this context, and the limits to it.
• Gain insights into its shortcomings, issues that have arisen, and its future.
  

Intended Audience:

Those practising in Civil, Criminal and Family law. Those with an interest in the technology and law interface might also find these beneficial.