Introduction<br />In recent decades, the world has witnessed a tremendous technological revolution, accompanied by the emergence of new forms of crime committed through cyberspace. One of the most prominent of these is cyber extortion, which has become a serious threat to individuals and societies. Perpetrators target victims via social media platforms, email, and messaging applications.<br />This research aims to clarify the concept of cyber extortion, its types, causes, consequences, and the legal mechanisms used to confront it.<br /><br />First: Definition of Cyber Extortion<br />Linguistically:<br />Extortion is the act of obtaining money or benefit through coercion or threats.<br /><br />Legally:<br />Cyber extortion refers to the use of electronic means to threaten a person with publishing personal or sensitive images or information in exchange for money, unlawful gains, or compliance with certain demands.<br /><br />In modern criminal jurisprudence:<br />It is a newly-emerged crime committed via the internet and falls under cybercrime laws, subject to specific provisions in contemporary legislation.<br /><br />Second: Types of Cyber Extortion<br />Financial extortion:<br />The perpetrator demands money in return for not publishing compromising images or videos.<br /><br />Sexual extortion:<br />The perpetrator threatens to share private or sexually explicit content, often targeting women and girls.<br /><br />Emotional or psychological extortion:<br />Involves exploiting romantic or familial relationships to pressure the victim into certain actions.<br /><br />Political or occupational extortion:<br />Targeting public figures or employees to obtain confidential information or job-related benefits.<br /><br />Third: Causes of Cyber Extortion<br />Lack of awareness regarding safe use of technology<br /><br />Weak legal and social literacy<br /><br />Absence of family supervision<br /><br />Careless sharing of personal data and images<br /><br />Security breaches of devices and accounts<br /><br />Fourth: Consequences of Cyber Extortion<br />Psychological effects:<br /><br />Anxiety and depression<br /><br />Isolation and social withdrawal<br /><br />Suicide in severe cases<br /><br />Social effects:<br /><br />Family breakdown<br /><br />Loss of trust in others<br /><br />Social stigma for the victim<br /><br />Legal effects:<br /><br />Criminal prosecution of the perpetrator<br /><br />Significant material and moral damage to the victim<br /><br />Fifth: Legal Framework for Cyber Extortion<br />In Iraqi Law:<br />The Iraqi Penal Code (No. 111 of 1969) includes penalties for extortion, and amendments have been proposed to address cybercrimes, including:<br /><br />Articles 430 and 431 prescribe punishments for threats, whether written or verbal.<br /><br />The proposed Cybercrime Law contains more detailed provisions regarding cyber extortion.<br /><br />In other Arab legislations:<br /><br />Saudi Arabia: Punishment includes up to one year in prison and a fine of 500,000 SAR.<br /><br />Egypt: Law No. 175 of 2018 on Anti-Cybercrime imposes imprisonment and financial penalties.<br /><br />UAE: Penalties can reach 10 years in prison and fines up to one million dirhams in certain cases.<br /><br />Sixth: Prevention and Protection Methods<br />Promoting digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness<br /><br />Immediate reporting to specialized security authorities<br /><br />Avoiding the sharing of sensitive content<br /><br />Using security tools like two-factor authentication<br /><br />Involving educational institutions and media in awareness campaigns<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Cyber extortion is a rapidly growing crime in the age of digital expansion. Combating it requires a comprehensive response, including strict legislation, public awareness, cybersecurity coordination, and the active role of families and institutions.<br />Facing this threat demands collective efforts to reduce its risks and protect individuals—especially vulnerable groups such as women and minors.<br /><br /><br />"AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq"<br/><br/><a href=https://uomus.edu.iq/Default.aspx target=_blank>al-mustaqbal University Website</a>