SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 255 on Tuesday, which imposes jail time for people who post naked photos of their ex-lovers after bad breakups.
The law goes into effect immediately. Those convicted of illegally distributing private images with the intent to harass or annoy will face six months in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
“Revenge porn often begins when relationships end,” claimed State Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) in a statement. “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.”
Until now, law enforcement didn’t have any way to protect victims from this type of behavior.
The bill was opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union, saying it could restrict free speech.
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