Croatia prepares new laws to combat digital sexual harassment

Croatia is preparing amendments to its Criminal Code to align national legislation with European Union directives aimed at combating violence against women and domestic violence. The proposed changes, confirmed by Minister of Justice, Administration, and Digital Transformation Damir Habijan, seek to address various forms of digital sexual harassment.

Key provisions include criminalizing the sending of unsolicited sexually explicit photos or videos via the internet and social media if the behavior causes serious psychological harm. The updates will also expand protections against the unauthorized publication of intimate content and the use of artificial intelligence to create deepfake material, where a person is depicted in fabricated sexually explicit situations. Additionally, the law aims to introduce new offenses such as cyberstalking, digital harassment through information technologies, and the unauthorized disclosure of personal data.

Minister Habijan emphasized that the Criminal Code must evolve alongside rapid technological advancements to address emerging forms of criminality.