U.S. Lawmaker Introduces Federal 'Revenge Porn' Bill

U.S. Lawmaker Introduces Federal 'Revenge Porn' Bill

WASHINGTON — U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier on Thursday introduced the Intimate Privacy Protection Act, a piece of legislation that seeks to outlaw the distribution of nonconsensual sexual photos — known as "revenge porn" — and make the act a federal crime.

“These acts of bullying have ruined careers, families, and even led to suicide,” said Speier, a California Democrat and lead author of the federal bill.

The bill would allow fines and up to five years in prison for posting online or distributing sexually explicit photos or videos with “reckless disregard” for the consent of the subject.

So far, more than 30 states have enacted similar laws in recent years.

Speier’s proposal, which was introduced with support from Facebook and Twitter, exempts such companies as long as they do not promote or solicit revenge porn content. It also has exceptions — material that is in the public interest or that features a person voluntarily posing nude in a public or commercial setting.

In recent years, many online companies have tightened their terms of service and hired reviewers who delete content found to violate terms of service to prohibit revenge porn.

Neil Richards, a privacy law expert at Washington University in St. Louis, told The Source that, “it’s clear that the drafters have thought about [potential] problems and tried to write a law that is broad enough to deal with a wide variety of instances of nonconsensual pornography and downstream users, but which also tries to steer clear of the biggest free-speech problems that a blunt ‘no nonconsensual images or video’ law would create.”

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

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More