What Is the Penalty for Sharing Private Photos or Videos Online in Iran?

A Legal Guide to the Crime of Disclosing Personal Content Without Consent

Introduction

With the widespread use of smartphones and social media, one of the fastest-growing digital crimes in Iran is the unauthorized publication of private photos, videos, or audio recordings. Iranian law considers this a violation of personal privacy and imposes criminal penalties, even if the content was originally shared voluntarily.

This article explains:

What counts as “private content”

When sharing such material becomes a crime

What penalties apply under Iranian law

The difference between photos, videos, and voice recordings

How to file a legal complaint

What Is Considered Private Content?

Private content includes any image, video, or voice recording that:

Relates to a person’s private life (e.g., at home, at a party, in personal or romantic settings)

Is shared or published without the person’s consent

Is posted on social media, messaging apps, websites, or even private groups

Even if the person previously shared the content voluntarily, sharing it later without consent is still a criminal act.

Relevant Legal Provisions

Under the Computer Crimes Law of Iran (2009):

Article 16:

“Anyone who, with the intent to harm or insult, publishes another person’s private photo, video, or voice recording without their consent shall be sentenced to 91 days to 2 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 40 million IRR, or both.”

Article 17:

“Publishing immoral or indecent content through computer systems is a criminal offense.”

Penalties for Publishing Private Photos or Videos

In repeated or organized cases, the court may also issue bans on internet access or social media activity.

Are Photos, Videos, and Voice Recordings Treated the Same?

Yes — all are protected by law. However, videos and audio recordings often carry more weight, as they reveal more personal and emotional details of a person’s private life.

How to File a Complaint

If someone has published your private images without permission:

Take screenshots and preserve all evidence of the content

Go to an Electronic Judiciary Service Office and file a criminal complaint under “violation of privacy”

Include links, phone numbers, usernames, and relevant messages

You may request a technical investigation by Iran’s Cyber Police (FATA) to trace the offender

Conclusion

Publishing someone’s private images or videos on the internet without explicit consent is a serious criminal offense in Iran. Even if the content was shared in a personal or romantic context, violating that trust is punishable by imprisonment, fines, or internet bans.

Alemohammad Law Office offers expert legal assistance in privacy violation cases, complaints against unauthorized sharing, legal defense for accused individuals, and professional litigation services — both inside Iran and for Iranians living abroad.

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