What is text message harassment? One third of young women experience it.
In a world where personal data is shared with just the press of a button, text pesting is becoming a concerning trend.
Millie, a 28-year-old publicist, returned home intending to relax after a long day, but her night took a terrifying turn when she received a disturbing message from an unknown number that said, "Hi, beautiful." When she inquired about the sender's identity, Millie discovered it was her taxi driver, who quickly sent another even more unsettling message: "I can't wait to pick you up and see your beautiful face again, I long for you."
The situation left Millie with a mix of confusion and fear. She questioned whether she was overreacting by feeling uncomfortable, as she had never given any signs of interest. This type of harassment has been labeled "text pesting," which refers to the inappropriate use of personal information, such as phone numbers, by individuals attempting to initiate unwanted romantic or sexual advances under the guise of a professional relationship.
Recent studies indicate that around a third of young people aged 18 to 34 in the UK have faced similar situations. The ICO, responsible for data protection in the country, seeks to raise awareness about this phenomenon and ways to address it.
Regarding the legality of "text pesting," although Millie's situation was distressing, she questioned whether it was truly a reportable offense. According to experts, there is indeed a legal basis, as the behavior may be covered by the Data Protection Act 2018. This legal framework prohibits the unauthorized use of personal data, which includes sending harassing messages.
Millie's case was not isolated. Nicole, 31, also experienced a distressing encounter with a delivery driver, who contacted her after a service. Although she made it clear that she was in a relationship, the man continued to communicate insistently, even at inappropriate times, causing her to feel unsafe in her own home.
The legal implications extend beyond the misuse of data. If a message contains sexually explicit content, it may violate the Communications Act. Additionally, repeated harassment could fall under the Harassment Protection Act.
In the United States, the legal treatment of "text pesting" can be more complicated due to variations between states. However, there are federal laws against harassment, and each state has its own regulations.
Victims facing these situations can take various measures, such as reporting to local authorities and preserving evidence in the form of screenshots. It is also advisable to report the incident to the involved company, as there could be liabilities under data protection legislation.
The threat of "text pesting" is not only a violation of privacy but also presents a cultural challenge. Many people still justify the use of personal data for non-consensual purposes, indicating a need to change attitudes towards consent and respect for privacy.
The ICO recognizes that there is a lack of awareness about these violations and is working to educate the public about their rights and appropriate ways to act. We need to build a culture where this type of harassment is widely recognized as unacceptable, promoting a safer digital environment.
