Pennsylvania Revenge Porn Laws

Title: Unlawful dissemination of intimate image and prohibited distribution of a private image

 

Status: Last amended on March 24th, 2017 – currently in effect 

 

No person, without permission or authority, shall knowingly or recklessly disseminate or distribute from the possession or control of another person, including from a computer, computer system, computer network, electronic device, or storage system, a visual depiction of the other person is a state of full or partial nudity or engaged in sexual conduct.

 

Repercussions:

– A violation is a misdemeanor of the third degree. (previously second degree in 2015)
– A violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree when the victim is a minor or the offender has previously been convicted for distribution in another jurisdiction.

A person may be convicted if either the victim or the offender is located within PA.

 

Does not apply to: a law enforcement officer performing their official duties

 

A person may bring a civil cause of action based on upon unlawful dissemination of intimate image or prohibited distribution of a private image to recover damages for any loss or injury sustained because of the violation. 

 

2015 act:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2014&sessInd=0&act=115

2017 amendment:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0548&pn=0586