,Issue 3 ,November 2026 ,Pages 113-124 , Received :3 November 2026
Lect. Dr. Mohammed Fawzi Jabbar
Electronic extortion is a modern form of crime that emerged with the advent of contemporary technology. It represents a social behavior that runs counter to societal values and culture, and is in violation of the law. This phenomenon has become increasingly dangerous due to the rapid evolution of technology and information systems; some individuals have exploited these tools to infringe upon privacy—particularly that of young people—by using photographs or videos to threaten, humiliate, or place them in difficult social situations. Unlike traditional crimes, electronic extortion presents unique challenges regarding investigation, evidence gathering, and the identification of perpetrators operating online. Perpetrators often target young people, threatening their social standing to extort money. This study aims to protect youth from various forms of extortion—facilitated by computers, mobile devices, and the internet—that arise from the misuse of advanced technology. Such misuse deviates from the intended purpose of these tools, leading to the emergence of new criminal phenomena. Consequently, there is a pressing need for legal protections to shield young people from the dangers of electronic extortion and the resulting psychological distress and anxiety. This research employs a descriptive approach to examine the phenomenon of extortion targeting youth and the legal safeguards available against privacy violations. Furthermore, it utilizes an analytical method to examine the provisions of the Iraqi Penal Code (Law No. 111 of 1969). Although the Code does not explicitly use the term "extortion," its provisions address the underlying acts—categorizing them as forms of "threat"—thereby encompassing the various methods and manifestations of extortion. It is perpetrated by an extortionist to obtain private information about a victim. Furthermore, Law No. (6) of 2008—the Law on the Prevention of the Misuse of Telecommunication Devices in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq—addresses the issue of extortion, provides protection for victims, and imposes penalties on those who engage in online extortion. The law also penalizes the misuse of such devices, prohibiting actions that infringe upon individual freedoms, disclose personal secrets, or violate public morals, public order, and ethical standards.