Naked photos of me were shared online when I was 14 – tech firms must do more to protect kids
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Leah Juliett was only 14 years old when their life changed forever. Someone posted naked pictures of the teenager online, leading to a traumatic experience that still affects them to this day. Now, at 27, Leah is a non-binary activist fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and online safety, determined to prevent the same kind of abuse from happening to other young people in the community.
Reflecting on the past, Leah recounted the grooming they experienced on Facebook Messenger, which ultimately led to their nude photos being shared on the internet. Despite their efforts, justice was never served, and their abuser was never held accountable. Fast forward a decade, and Leah sees the same issues persisting due to the lack of accountability in the tech industry and inadequate legislation to protect young people online.
In their fight for justice, Leah has spoken to US lawmakers and even testified before Congress about the impact of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and image-based sexual violence on their life. They have been vocal about the need for tech companies to take responsibility for the harm caused by their platforms and to implement better safeguards for users, especially LGBTQ+ individuals who are disproportionately targeted by online abuse.
Studies have shown that queer people are more likely to be victims of revenge porn and other forms of image-based sexual violence compared to their straight counterparts. Anti-LGBTQ hate is prevalent on major social media platforms, yet the protection of queer users remains inadequate. Leah highlighted the need for a cultural shift in how these platforms operate, emphasizing the importance of both legislative change and tech accountability.
Leah’s activism has led them to join the Heat Initiative, a campaign aimed at holding tech giants like Apple accountable for the proliferation of CSAM and image-based sexual violence. They have been at the forefront of efforts to push for change and advocate for policies that protect young people from online abuse. Despite facing backlash and criticism, Leah remains steadfast in their commitment to making a difference.
One significant legislative effort in this space is the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which aims to force tech companies to address illegal material and harmful content targeting children. However, the bill faced challenges when one of its sponsors made transphobic remarks, sparking fear among LGBTQ+ communities. Despite this setback, Leah continues to support the bill, recognizing its potential to protect young people from the kind of abuse they endured.
As Leah navigates their journey as an activist, they emphasize the importance of visibility and representation for queer and trans youth. By sharing their story and advocating for change, Leah hopes to empower others to speak out and demand better protections online. Their tireless efforts in fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and online safety serve as a beacon of hope for those who have faced similar challenges.
In conclusion, Leah Juliett’s story is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in online spaces. Their advocacy for accountability, justice, and inclusivity serves as a rallying cry for change in how tech companies operate and how legislation protects vulnerable communities. It is essential to listen to voices like Leah’s and take action to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for all.
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