The very idea that teenagers would bring a photo album of rape pictures to share in the high school halls would have been unthinkable not that long ago. The Internet has altered dramatically standards of morality and discretion, something abundantly evident in the social networks of youth.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/9/2010 (4025 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Editorial

The very idea that teenagers would bring a photo album of rape pictures to share in the high school halls would have been unthinkable not that long ago. The Internet has altered dramatically standards of morality and discretion, something abundantly evident in the social networks of youth.

With a zeal that can only be described as breathtaking, British Columbia youth have published and republished photographs taken of the gang rape of a drugged 16-year-old at a rural rave party. The pictures, and video, have spread with the speed and breadth characteristic of Facebook, the social networking group on-line. To punctuate the depravity, audacity and stunning absence of compassion that fueled this repeat crime, consider this: Even after those who posted the pictures of the assault were visited by police, some refused to delete the images from their Facebook accounts.

A 16-year-old boy who took the pictures at Pitt Meadows, east of Vancouver, on Sept. 10 and initially posted them on-line may face charges -- taking, publishing and possessing such pictures constitute crimes of child pornography -- and an 18-year-old may be charged with sexual assault. The victim does not remember being raped by a succession of young men. Police believe she was slipped a date rape drug, which is tasteless and odorless. The Criminal Code recognizes such drugs nullify consent, and sexual intercourse under their influence is called rape.

There are many lessons for parents and young people, here -- date rape drugs are an abiding hazard of parties and bars where youth may think they are protected by friends or company; apparently none of those at the rave went to the teenager's rescue. More broadly, it is an arresting reality check: What once passed for common decency has been badly eroded by the Internet, a prurient phenomenon that rendered personal privacy quaintly archaic.

The RCMP should go "viral" with a salutary lesson for the Internet generation. Along with pursuing the attackers and the person who initially posted the photographs, police should make an example, through criminal charges, of those who ignored their warning that republishing child pornography is a crime.