Revenge porn, defined as knowingly distributing prurient videos or photographs without consent, is on the rise – and lawmakers are moving quickly to stomp out the scourge. Many states have already moved to eradicate revenge porn from their borders – and every week a new state makes an anti-revenge porn move. Most recently, Illinois State Representative John Bradley introduced a bill.

Illinois’ Revenge Porn Law

The legislation, if signed into law, would make revenge porn a class three felony. The State House has already given the thumbs up; now, it’s the State Senate’s turn. If the bill becomes law, revenge porn could result in:

1. A five-year prison term, and
2. Fines of up to $150,000.

Should the revenge porn depict a minor or a person dealing with mental illness:

1. Fifteen-year prison term, and
2. Fines of up to $250,000.

Heavier charges of assault, corruption of a minor and possession of child pornography, among others, may also be levied against the person who distributed it.

Revenge Porn Extortion

Online revenge porn websites extort victims.

Here’s how it works: the site offers to take down the offending material, in exchange for payment. Revenge porn site owners make a mint this way. One website owner was charged with 31 separate charges after it was discovered he was charging thousands upon thousands of dollars for his revenge porn removal ‘service.’

Revenge Porn: An International Scourge

Revenge porn is quickly turning into an international issue. Both Australia and Israel have federally banned revenge porn, with one Israeli politician, Yifat Kariv, calling it ‘virtual rape.’ In November of 2013, a Brazilian teenager committed suicide when revenge porn destroyed her reputation and made her the target of bullies. Brazil is currently considering its own legislation that would ban the practice in light of the tragedy.

Secret Media = Revenge Porn

Revenge porn may seem simple on its face. Don’t share sexually explicit images with lovers and you have nothing to worry about, right? This is not always the case. Revenge porn can extend into photos and videos your partner may have taken in secret, perhaps hiding a camera in the bedroom without your knowledge before you had sex. Hidden cameras in bathrooms and thought-to-be-empty bedrooms also capture people masturbating, changing clothes or showering. This media also winds up on revenge porn sites when the relationship sours.

Get Revenge Porn Removed From The Internet

Are you grappling with a revenge porn situation? If you want to get material removed from the Web, contact us. We’ve helped many women successfully expunge revenge porn material for the Internet. Get in touch today to learn more about your options.