Apologetic crimes through ICT: suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and sexual abuse of minors and the disabled

Abstract

The Spanish Criminal Code has been amended to include a number of new criminal offenses that are specifically related to information and communication technologies (ICT). The public dissemination of messages with the specific intent to induce suicide, self-harm, or cause eating disorders in minors and vulnerable people is prohibited, as well as messages that promote pedophilia. These offences are presented as a novel development in the field of comparative law, where similar efforts are being made in this same direction. The relevance of these behaviors and the effectiveness that can be expected from their practical application are raised.