Unauthorized dissemination of indecent material. Misdemeanor for first violation, felony for second or subsequent violation, and felony if material is being used as an exploitative device
Title: Chapter 11-64-3 of the General Laws “Unauthorized dissemination of indecent material”
Status: In effect, as of March 2018
A person is guilty of unauthorized dissemination of a sexually explicit visual image of another person what the person intentionally, by any means, disseminates, publishes or sells:
– A visual image that depicts an identifiable person eighteen years of older engaged in sexually explicit conduct or of their intimate areas
– The image was made, captured, recorded, or obtained under reasonable understanding that the image was to remain private
– The image was disseminated, published or sold without the consent of the person
– With knowledge or reckless disregard that the depicted person will suffer harm, or with the intent to harass, intimidate, threated or coerce the depicted person
Repercussions:
– First offense – misdemeanor, subjected to imprisonment up to 1 year or up to a fine of $1,000, or both.
– Second offense – felony, subjected to imprisonment up to 3 years or up to a fine of $3,000, or both.
– A person who intentionally threatens to disclose any image to benefit in return for not making the disclosure in connection with the threated disclosure – felony, subjected to imprisonment up to 5 years or a fine up to $5,000, or both.
– A person who demands payment of money, property, services or anything else of value from a person in exchange for removing any visual images as described above – felony, subjected to imprisonment up to 5 years or a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Does not apply to: Law enforcement activity in prosecuting and investigation criminal offenses, medical or educational activities, legal proceedings, the reporting of unlawful conduct, matters of public interest, voluntary or commercial nudity/sex acts in public areas, and interactive computer services.
(http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText18/SenateText18/S2581A.pdf)
