Washington Bills Allow Revenge Porn Victims to Seek Restitution in Civil Court

OLYMPIA — Bills introduced in the Washington State House and Senate on Thursday would allow victims of revenge porn to seek restitution in civil court.

So-called “revenge porn” is the posting of explicit, intimate images of people, without their consent, to the web. The name comes from the fact that often time the perpetrators are the victim’s jilted lovers.

Identical measures were introduced by Rep. Tina Orwall in the house and by Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley in the senate.

Orwall noted before the Internet, revenge porn pictures leaked to the media had a much more narrow viewership.

“That was damaging to the victims, but not nearly as devastating as what they go through now with the Internet making images easily published, easily viewed and permanent in nature,” Orwall said.

Under the proposed legislation, a person would be liable if the image was obtained with the understanding of privacy — as in the case of former lovers — and then posted to the internet, causing the victim emotional distress.

The bills would also make a person liable if they obtained the picture without consent. Someone might do this by hacking the victim's computer, or otherwise accessing the image, physical or electronic.

Padden says he hopes that young people comprehend the gravity of sharing these types of photos.

“Distributing them, especially in a way that is intended to intimidate, or harass someone, should never be acceptable,” Padden said. “And when the image is of someone who is underage, it is essentially distributing child pornography,” 

He continued, “This bill is aimed at reducing this type of ‘revenge porn' and holding those who commit these malicious acts accountable.”

The minimum liability under these bills is $10,000. The court could also require the images to be removed from the web.

Both bills are expected to be referred to committees.

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

Sweet Sinner Releases 6th Volume of 'MILF Pact'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Bunny Madison, Katrina Colt, and Little Puck in the sixth volume of "MILLF Pact," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Chaturbate Announces 2025 Music Contest Winners

Chaturbate has revealed the winners of its 2025 music competition.

Hime Marie Leads Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Hime Marie returns to Hookup Hotshot for a new scene featuring Nade Nasty.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

Angelica Heaven Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Angelica Heaven stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside Terry Banks, Matt Bird, Rob Hudson, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

MYM Launches New Traffic System

German creator platform MYM has launched a new traffic system for its members.

Payton Preslee Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Payton Preslee and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

Jade Venus, Aubrey Kate Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Jade Venus and Aubrey Kate star in a scene from Evil Angel titled “TS Aubrey & TS Jade Do 3 Uniformed Men.”

Jonni Darkko Drops New Evil Angel Blowbang With Connie Perignon

Connie Perignon stars in the latest Evil Angel blowbang release from director Jonni Darkko.

Show More