3 ms·
Since the mugshot is a matter of public record, I think it's plausible to describe this scheme as free press, although with wholly odious content.
by jMyles 8y ago
Since the mugshot is a matter of public record, I think it's plausible to describe this scheme as free press, although with wholly odious content.
- perl4ever 8y agoWhat kind of extortion could you not describe as free speech?
- jMyles 8y agoThe kind where you're revealing a secret, a stolen object, or a falsehood. Or threatening to harm someone if they don't pay for "protection." You know, actual extortion.
- andrewla 8y agoYou can extort someone by threatening to reveal something, even if revealing that would not be criminal in and of itself. I feel that the distinction here is mainly that the information is already published -- they're not threatening any action if there's no payment. If they contacted people before posting their mugshots and demanded payment to not publish, then it would be cut and dry.
- s73v3r_ 8y agoThey're publishing for the sole purpose of getting people to pay them to take them down. I fail to see how that's any different than asking them first, except that now paying becomes that much more urgent.
- s73v3r_ 8y agoGiven the intent, I can't.