The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has issued a firm warning against the non-consensual sharing of private images and videos, describing the practice as illegal, harmful, and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
In a statement released on Monday, January 19, 2026, FIDA-Kenya cautioned Kenyans against circulating or engaging with viral content involving private individuals on social media, noting that even reposting or commenting may attract legal consequences. The organization stressed that such actions fuel online harassment and expose perpetrators to criminal and civil liability.
FIDA-Kenya explained that the non-consensual sharing of intimate or private content violates the rights to dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy protected under Articles 28 and 31 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Article 31 guarantees the right not to have information relating to one’s family or private affairs disclosed without consent.
“Viral videos should never be used to justify the violation of personal rights guaranteed by Kenyan law,” the FIDA-Kenya statement read.
The organization further noted that these acts constitute criminal offences under the Data Protection Act, 2019, and Sections 37 and 42 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, which criminalise unauthorised sharing of personal data and intimate images.
Emphasising that digital virality does not override the law, #FIDA-Kenya urged the public to exercise restraint online and reject harassment, public shaming, and vigilante justice, particularly in cases that disproportionately harm women and expose victims to lasting emotional distress.