A friend of mine the other day made a great observation. On Friday of last week, a magazine published topless photos of Kate Middleton, or as we have come to know her, Prince William's fashion forward and lovely wife. These pictures were obtained due to a security lapse while the royal couple were vacationing in the south of France. Fast forward to Tuesday, a mere 4 days later, when a French court ruled that the publisher must take down all photos, must return all digital photos, prints, stills or any other replica to the palace to protect her privacy. A daily fine of 10,000 euros accrues for every day that the publisher refuses to turn the photos over.
Why is it that we protect and treasure the image of a princess to such a degree? Society and governments were concerned about privacy and the upset. And yes, it is sad that the privacy of this couple was breached. However, let's remember she was an adult who chose to get one with nature, knowing full well what risk she took by doing this.
My friend, the one who made the observation, asked why we can't do that for exploited children? Why is it that the pornographer's "rights" and "privacy" is more important than the innocence, safety and well-being of a child who has been exploited? Why did it take only 4 days to stop the further publication of tasteless pictures of a princess, but prosecution or the succession of child pornography is ongoing? I realize that the fact that there are ways to hide on the internet a poster's identity. I realize it is hard to identify the child at times. Yet I think as a society and with evolving technology it should be easier to find these predators. Yet in the US, privacy issues overrule the child's right to not be exploited. And that is sad.
So is this a question of money? Is the fact that Princess Kate has money and prestige why the French courts moved so fast? Is the fact that these children are usually victims of poverty that we shrug and turn away?
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