Revenge Porn Bill Passes RI Senate

Acknowledging the growing problem of having photos and videos posted on the Internet with the intent to embarrass or harm another individual, the Senate approved Attorney General Peter Kilmartin's legislation that will prohibit the posting of "revenge porn."

Revenge porn is sexually explicit media that is publicly shared online without the consent of the pictured individual, often uploaded by a former companion or hacker for the purpose of humiliation. The image or video is often accompanied by personal information, including the pictured individual's name and links to social media sites.

"The latest phenomenon of individuals posting intimate photos and videos on 'revenge porn' sites with the mission to embarrass exes takes the exploitation and degradation of people, especially women, to a new level of depravity," said AG Kilmartin. "Not only do victims suffer embarrassment and severe emotional distress, it could very well impact their educational and professional opportunities. The images or videos may stay in cyberspace forever, yet victims are left with no recourse to have the images removed or seek justice for themselves. Passage of this legislation will give victims some comfort that the perpetrators will be held accountable."

Violators would be guilty of a felony with a maximum penalty of three years in prison or a fine of up to $3,000, or both.   It does provide that constitutionally protected activity will not be subject to the provisions of the bill.

Introduced at the request of the Attorney General by Senator Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), S 2644 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. A companion House bill, 2014-H 7382, by Rep. Donald J. Lally Jr. (D-Dist. 33, Narragansett, South Kingstown), is currently before the House Committee on Judiciary.

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