The Rusafa Criminal Court in Baghdad has sentenced a convicted individual to six years in prison for blackmailing a young woman by threatening to publish doctored images of her created using artificial intelligence applications, in exchange for money.
The ruling was issued based on Article 430(1) of the Iraqi Penal Code of 1969, which penalizes anyone who threatens to publish photos or information against a person for the purpose of blackmail, in reference to participation articles 47, 48, and 49.
Iraqi courts are working to adapt existing legislation to address emerging digital crimes, in the absence of new laws that fully respond to the technological evolution of criminal methods—raising legal debates about the legitimacy of such judicial interpretations in light of current realities.
Digital blackmail is now a crime that threatens the privacy and security of individuals, and the use of artificial intelligence in such crimes significantly increases the risks and harm involved.
