Publishing divorce secrets online: A digital crime that threatens the future of children
In light of the rapid development of the digital world and the dominance of social media platforms in daily life, a dangerous social phenomenon has emerged that threatens the very fabric of the family and society: the transfer of marital disputes from private spaces to the open cyberspace. In this context, social consultant Talal Al-Nashri warned of the dangers of turning marital conflicts and the disclosure of divorce secrets into what he termed "digital trials" on social media platforms. He emphasized that this behavior constitutes a blatant violation of privacy and a moral and legal crime that destroys the future of children.
Personal disputes become public content
In an interview with Al-Youm, Al-Nashri explained that the tendency of separated couples to resort to social media platforms to reveal their private lives and settle scores is one of the most serious downsides of the digital world today. He pointed out that these practices transform the conflict from a limited, personal matter into an open arena of conflict, where the public is divided between supporters and opponents based on incomplete and emotionally charged accounts lacking accuracy and fairness. This exacerbates the problem and makes reconciliation virtually impossible.
Legal accountability and the cybercrime system
Legally, this behavior goes beyond mere social condemnation; it falls under the purview of the law. In Saudi Arabia, in accordance with international privacy protection standards, defaming others and violating their privacy through information technology is a crime punishable under the Anti-Cybercrime Law. The expert warned that reposting or commenting on these videos in an offensive manner could subject the user to legal accountability, urging users of these platforms to immediately cease engaging with this type of content that thrives on people's scandals.
Devastating psychological effects and a threatened future for the children
Al-Nashri emphasized that the biggest victims in these digital battles are the children. The internet doesn't forget, and offensive content posted by one parent against the other remains circulating for years, creating a "digital stigma" that haunts children in their academic, professional, and social lives. He warned of the devastating psychological effects this can have on children, ranging from anxiety and depression to social isolation and a loss of trust in society, as a result of feeling ashamed that their family secrets have been shared publicly.
Religious and moral values
The advisor cited Quranic verses and Islamic teachings that urge "either to retain the spouse with kindness or to release with grace," emphasizing that Islam mandates preserving affection and protecting secrets even after the marital relationship ends. He considered the appearance of one spouse in videos detailing the other's private life as a reflection of a profound crisis of awareness and a desperate attempt to seek a false victory or lost social support, at the expense of the values of discretion and sound upbringing.
Al-Nashri concluded his remarks by emphasizing that digital awareness and respect for the privacy of others are a collective and ethical responsibility, no less important than deterrent laws and regulations, stressing the need to keep marital disputes within their own framework to ensure the safety of the mental health of all family members.
