Sending unsolicited genital images (so-called “dick pics”) will become a criminal offense. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) announced this ahead of Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. The new law makes it punishable to send such images without consent by any electronic means, from social media to fax.

Sporrer explained that young women in particular are victims of this form of sexual harassment and that the justice system will now offer them support in enforcing their rights. Family Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) called the decision crucial, saying that what is forbidden offline cannot be allowed online. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) stressed that the internet is not a law-free zone.

Under the draft law, it will be a punishable offense to transmit genital images without request via telecommunication or computer system when this constitutes harassment. Covered media include SMS, MMS, fax, email, instant messages, social-media posts, or transfers via Airdrop or Bluetooth. If a harsher offense such as stalking applies, that provision will take precedence.

The cabinet also approved an action plan against violence toward women. Led by the Women’s Ministry in collaboration with the Interior, Education, and Justice Ministries, it aims to close gaps in protection based on Council of Europe recommendations, an EU directive on gender-based violence, and the Court of Auditors’ findings. Women’s Minister Eva Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) emphasized that violence is never a private matter and called for an all-of-government response.

Green Party women’s spokesperson Meri Disoski welcomed the focus but urged swift concrete measures. FPÖ social spokesperson Dagmar Belakowitsch derided the plan as just another “100th action plan,” arguing resources would be better spent on border security and repatriation.