'Revenge Porn' Now Illegal in California

By Khari Johnson  

Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill Tuesday to outlaw publishing so-called revenge porn online in California.

Senate Bill 255 makes posting graphic or naked images taken at one time with a mutual understanding they would remain private, but later sharing said images online "with the intent to cause serious emotional distress" an invasion of privacy. It also makes them an illegal act equivalent to disorderly conduct.

The law was made effective immediately after Brown signed the bill on Tuesday.
Violating the law is considered an invasion of privacy and being found guilty can mean up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

The bill was sponsored by State Senator Anthony Cannella.

"Revenge porn often begins when relationships end," a statement released by Cannella's office Tuesday said. "But what were once private photos taken with consent can later be shared with others, and then posted online at multiple sites without the subject’s knowledge or consent. Some websites even specialize in posting such materials, and charge the subjects unreasonable fees to take down the illicit photos."

Civil liberties advocates like American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) oppose the bill's overly vague attempt to restrict online activity, according to the Sacramento Bee.

What do you think of the new law? Tell us in the comments.