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

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More