Used dick-pics will be punishable in the future-a new law against harassment!

Used dick-pics will be punishable in the future-a new law against harassment!

On April 23, 2025, Minister of Justice Anna Sporrer made a pioneering announcement: The sending of unsolicited penis pictures, also known as Dick-Pics, will be punishable in the future. This regulation extends across all forms of electronic communication, including social media, SMS, MMS, emails and even airdrop or Bluetooth. Genital images become punishable when they are sent without consent and represent a nuisance.

Another central element of this new regulation is that in the case of multiple transmission of genital images that realize another severe fact such as stalking, the stricter fact is used. This is intended to strengthen the existing legislation and effectively act against sexual harassment.

Action plan against violence to women

As part of this announcement, the Council of Ministers also decided to have a comprehensive action plan, which is created under the direction of the Ministry of Women in cooperation with the departments for interior, education and judiciary. The aim of this plan is to close existing gaps in violence and increase the safety of women and girls in Austria. The focus is on implementing zero tolerance against violence against women.

The action plan, which is based on recommendations from the Council of Europe and a new EU directive, also plans specific measures. This includes the introduction of a ankle bracker for high -risk assistants and the expansion of prevention work. "The action plan is an important measure in violence," emphasizes Minister of Women Eva Maria Holzleitner.

Prevention of digital violence

A comprehensive concern is the prevention of violence, especially in digital space. Almost every second woman in Austria has already had experience with internet nuisance, with the perpetrators being men in most cases. Therefore, it is important that even digital attacks do not remain unpunished. Integration Minister demands that every ministry brings ideas to close existing gaps in violence.

From the prevention's point of view, basic knowledge of new media and their risks are of great importance. Strategies for the prevention of digital violence include the change in passwords, clear agreements about dealing with private recordings and the consistent entry against the unwanted publication of photos or videos. These approaches are supported by various organizations, such as women against violence, to encourage and clarify disadvantaged.

In summary, it can be said that the new regulation on the criminal liability of the sending of Dick-Pic is part of a comprehensive plan that aims to combat violence against women and to increase security in the digital space. Austria thus takes an important step towards equality and protection of women's rights.

The following links can be visited for further information: Dolomite city,, Sn, and Women against violence.