California Congresswoman Jackie Speier, joined by Reps. Katherine Clark (MA-5), Ryan Costello (PA-6), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), and Thomas Rooney (FL-17), has introduced Intimate Privacy Protection Act (IPPA) to create a national ban on revenge porn. Although 34 states have passed laws to address nonconsensual pornography, their approaches vary widely. Speier contends that a federal law is needed to provide a single, clear articulation of the elements of the crime and ensure that Americans in every part of the country have the means to protect themselves if they subjected to such abuse.
Specifically, IPPA would make it illegal for an individual to knowingly distribute sexually explicit material with reckless disregard for the victim’s lack of consent. The bill recognizes that the distribution of nonconsensual pornography is a privacy violation, as nonconsensual pornography is notalways about revenge or harassment.
The bill is supported by the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative; Information Technology and Innovation Foundation; National Democratic Institute; National Organization for Women; Feminist Majority; Girls, Inc.; Facebook; and Twitter. The Internet Law Center also support this important legislation.
Making the Case For Legislation
One of those who joined Rep. Speier in announcing the bill was Mary Anne Franks, Professor of Law, University of Miami School of Law and Legislative & Tech Policy Director, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. Franks has published a column in Huffington Post debunking some of the common claims offered by critics of such legislation – It’s Time For Congress To Protect Intimate Privacy
The text of the legislation is below.
Cyber Exploitation/Revenge Porn Background and Resources
- “The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative and the Fight Against Revenge Porn” with Mary Anne Franks – Cyber Law and Business Report (February 10, 2015)
- “Voices of Revenge Porn” – Cyber Law and Business Report (July 31, 2013)
- Without My Consent Release Guide for Intimate Image Take Downs
- California Attorney General’s Cyber Exploitation Page with Resources for Victims and Law Enforcement.
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