Extortion vs blackmail

Extortion and blackmail are both forms of coercion, but they have some key differences:

Extortion:

• Is the act of obtaining something from someone by using force, threats, or intimidation.
• Typically involves the use of physical force, violence, or the threat of violence to obtain something of value.
• Can be committed by individuals or groups, and can be motivated by a variety of reasons, including financial gain, revenge, or political ideology.
• Is often considered a criminal offense, and can result in severe legal consequences.

Example: A gangster demands money from a business owner, threatening to harm their family if they don't comply.

Blackmail:

• Is the act of obtaining something from someone by threatening to reveal a secret or embarrassing information about them.
• Typically involves the use of threats or intimidation to obtain something of value, such as money, property, or a favor.
• Can be committed by individuals or groups, and can be motivated by a desire for financial gain, revenge, or personal gain.
• Is often considered a criminal offense, and can result in legal consequences.

Example: A person discovers a politician's secret affair and threatens to reveal it to the public unless they are given a job or a favor.

Key differences:

• Extortion typically involves the use of physical force or violence, while blackmail involves the use of threats or intimidation.
• Extortion is often motivated by a desire for financial gain or revenge, while blackmail is often motivated by a desire for personal gain or to gain power over someone.
• Extortion is often considered a more serious crime than blackmail, as it can result in physical harm or even death.

It's worth noting that the terms "extortion" and "blackmail" are often used interchangeably, but technically, extortion refers to the use of force or violence, while blackmail refers to the use of threats or intimidation.