Maryland Legislature Seeks to Make 'Revenge Porn' a Felony

BALTIMORE — State Delegate Jon Cardin is proposing a bill tomorrow that would make posting “revenge porn” a felony in Maryland.

Cardin, a Democrat who is running for attorney general, has authored a bill that makes it illegal to “intentionally disclose in a public way, using the Internet or otherwise, a sexually explicit image of another person without their consent to release that image.” And as a deterrent: offenders would face up to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

According to a news release, Cardin, Danielle Keats Citron, a University of Maryland Carey law professor, and victim advocate Annmarie Chirarini will speak about the bill during a press conference tomorrow morning at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in Baltimore.

If the bill is approved, Maryland would join a handful of states that have criminalized the new form of Internet harassment, which has grown in popularity over the years. Often times, perpetrators are spurned lovers who post compromising photos of their exes as a means of revenge.

New Jersey acted as trailblazer for the campaign against revenge porn, making it a felony in 2004. Califiornia followed suit earlier this month when Gov. Jerry Brown approved a bill that designated it as misdemeanor offense. New York and Pennsylvania law makers have announced that they are drafting similar legislation for their respective states.     

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ondato, CCBill Announce Strategic Partnership for Global High-Risk Market

Age and identity verification firm Ondato and payment processor CCBill have formed a strategic partnership to serve the global high-risk market.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Keiran Lee Gets Star Send-Off from Brazzers Ahead of UK Homecoming

Keiran Lee is coming home. Two decades after moving from England to the United States to sign an exclusive contract with Brazzers, the award-winning performer is moving back to the U.K. this week along with his wife, fellow performer Kirsten Price, and their three children.

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Lady Dee Stars in Latest From Immoral

Lady Dee stars with Paul Stalker and Charlie Dean in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Adult Time Drops 'Busting Porn Myths Vol. 1' Informational Video

Adult Time has released the first volume of its new Performer Center series, “Busting Porn Myths.”

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Show More