Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi has signed into law two bills aimed at safeguarding children from sextortion scams and holding perpetrators accountable, marking a significant step in protecting vulnerable youths from online exploitation.
The bills, named in memory of Walker Montgomery, a Starkville teenager who tragically took his own life after falling victim to sextortion scammers in Nigeria, represent a collaborative effort by Walker’s family and legislators to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Sextortion, often initiated through social media messages, preys on unsuspecting individuals, coercing them into providing sensitive materials under threat of exposure. Walker’s father, Brian Montgomery, recounted how his son became ensnared in such a scheme during his tenth-grade year, where scammers threatened to distribute a video unless ransom was paid.
Brian Montgomery, alongside his family, tirelessly advocated for the enactment of these laws, driven by a profound desire to spare other families from enduring the anguish and heartache they experienced following Walker’s untimely passing in December 2022.
Reflecting on the legislative journey, Montgomery emphasized the collective effort involved in drafting and passing the bills, acknowledging the challenges posed by opposition from tech companies. However, he expressed hope that the laws would serve as a potent deterrent against sextortion and empower families to protect their loved ones from online threats.
The newly enacted legislation encompasses criminal penalties for individuals convicted of sextortion and mandates digital service providers to implement robust safeguards to shield minors from online exploitation.
In the wake of this legislative victory, Walker’s family stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of ordinary citizens to effect meaningful change, ensuring that Walker’s legacy becomes synonymous with safeguarding children from the perils of online predators.