A bill aimed at outlawing “revenge porn” has been approved by lawmakers in the Massachusetts House and Senate and is now awaiting the signature of Democratic Gov. Maura Healey. The bill, which prohibits the sharing of explicit images or videos without the consent of those depicted, would bring Massachusetts in line with the other 48 states that have similar laws in place.
Advocates of the bill argue that revenge porn is a form of abuse that has become increasingly common in the digital age, often causing social and emotional harm to individuals, particularly at the hands of former romantic partners.
If signed into law, the bill would criminalize the dissemination of nude or partially nude photos without permission as criminal harassment. Offenders could face up to two and a half years in prison and a fine of $10,000 for a first offense, with subsequent offenses carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
The legislation explicitly states that consent to creating explicit images or videos does not imply consent for their distribution without additional permission in the future. The bill also addresses concerns related to the use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology in creating revenge porn, paving the way for further legislation on the matter.
The bill also introduces a definition for coercive control to encompass non-physical forms of abuse, such as isolation, threats, monitoring activities, and other controlling behaviors. By extending the statute of limitations for domestic violence charges to 15 years, the bill aims to provide survivors with a longer window to seek justice.
Additionally, the bill seeks to address the issue of minors sharing explicit images by requiring the development of an educational diversion program instead of charging them under child sexual abuse image laws. District attorneys would still have the authority to pursue criminal charges in severe cases.
Advocacy groups, including Jane Doe Inc., have hailed the passage of the bill as a significant milestone for survivors in Massachusetts. They emphasize the importance of protecting individuals from the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and highlight the need for a balanced approach that offers educational support to younger individuals who engage in such harmful behavior.
