The dark side of social media continues to expose vulnerable individuals to exploitation, with Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) emerging as a widespread crisis. Often referred to as “revenge porn,” IBSA involves the non-consensual creation, manipulation, or distribution of intimate content usually as a tool for blackmail or coercion. In Nigeria, where social stigma further isolates victims, the lack of legal support has left many without justice.
Recognising this gap, Lawbrella, a tech-driven legal advocacy platform, has stepped in to provide survivors with much-needed support. Co-founded by Adeboro Odunlami, the initiative connects victims to legal professionals who can help them navigate the complexities of the law while ensuring privacy and discretion. “IBSA is happening in private WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Boys share explicit images of young women, threatening them for money or silence,” Odunlami explains.
Lawbrella’s mission goes beyond offering legal aid, it seeks to empower survivors by creating a secure, stigma-free environment where they can report abuse without fear of exposure. The platform has also partnered with Nigeria’s largest digital rights legal network, bringing together a dedicated team of lawyers who specialise in tackling technology-facilitated abuse.
However, the battle is far from easy. The lack of updated laws, deep-rooted cultural norms, and an overwhelming culture of patriarchy pose significant barriers. “Breaking into the culture of silence and shame is a challenge. Many victims fear not being believed, while legal loopholes make it harder to hold perpetrators accountable,” Odunlami admits.
Despite these obstacles, Lawbrella is making strides by leveraging ethical technology. The platform employs an image hashing system that converts explicit images into unique digital fingerprints rather than storing them. “We don’t retain explicit content. If someone were to hack Lawbrella, they wouldn’t find any images. That’s a layer of protection we’ve built in,” she explains.
Additionally, Lawbrella enforces strict internal security protocols. Lawyers submitting evidence must blur sensitive images, ensuring victims’ dignity is preserved even in court proceedings.
As the fight against IBSA continues, platforms like Lawbrella highlight the power of ethical tech and survivor-centred legal advocacy. But the bigger question remains, will Nigeria’s legal system evolve to protect victims more effectively? For now, Odunlami and her team remain committed to challenging norms, securing justice, and reshaping the digital space into one that protects rather than exploits.
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