Minister Persaud urges youths to think before sharing intimate photos

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, is urging young people to pause and think carefully before sharing intimate photos or videos online, warning that such actions can lead to severe emotional, legal, and lifelong consequences.

Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Dr. Persaud highlighted the growing risks associated with sharing nude or suggestive content — an issue her Ministry continues to address through awareness programmes targeting youths and vulnerable groups.

“People don’t think beyond the moment when they do those things,” Dr. Persaud said. “A relationship can be wonderful this week, and next week it is not. The thing is, everything can go on the internet… and it doesn’t disappear.”

She noted that while sharing intimate material may seem private or harmless at the time, the permanence of the internet means such content can easily resurface, often with devastating results. Dr. Persaud said many victims of leaked images experience depression, anxiety, and social stigma.

“We’ve seen a lot of young people become mentally unhinged because of those things. They go into depression, all kinds of things happen,” she stated.

Dr. Persaud emphasized the need for individuals to take personal responsibility and to consider the potential fallout before acting. “It’s a personal choice to do that, but you have to think. If I do this, then what?” she cautioned.

At the same time, she stressed that those who intentionally share or distribute private images without consent carry serious legal and moral responsibility.

“I’m not saying to the person who releases it, you get a free pass — absolutely not,” the Minister asserted. “We are living in a world where things change quickly, and that kind of violation can destroy lives.”

Her warning comes amid a rise in reported cases of “revenge porn” and cyber harassment — offences covered under Guyana’s Cybercrime Act of 2018.

Under Section 19 of the Act, distributing intimate images of another person without consent is a criminal offence, punishable by fines of up to $5 million and three years’ imprisonment upon summary conviction, and up to $10 million and five years’ imprisonment upon conviction on indictment.

The Act also covers related offences, including cyberbullying, harassment, and unauthorized access to personal data. In cases involving minors, such acts may also fall under the Sexual Offences Act, which criminalises the possession or sharing of explicit material depicting persons under 18.

Dr. Persaud’s remarks support ongoing national efforts to promote digital safety and responsible online behaviour, particularly among young people who are often more vulnerable to manipulation and peer pressure.

“Once it’s out there, it’s out there,” she warned. “The damage is often irreversible — and for many, it changes their lives forever.”

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to partner with stakeholders to educate youths about the dangers of online exploitation, stressing that prevention begins with awareness and thoughtful decision-making.