Revenge Porn Laws in Every State: Your Complete Guide

As of 2024, 49 US states plus DC have laws criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of intimate images—commonly called "revenge porn" laws. Here's what protections exist in your state, what penalties perpetrators face, and how to take action.

The Current Landscape

49 states now have criminal revenge porn laws. South Carolina was the final holdout until 2024, when it passed legislation criminalizing the distribution of intimate images without consent.

In addition to state laws, there's now federal protection through the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which makes publishing non-consensual intimate images a federal crime.

What These Laws Cover

Most state revenge porn laws criminalize:

• Sharing intimate images without the depicted person's consent
• Images showing nudity or sexual activity
• When the person depicted is identifiable
• When the sharer intended to cause harm or distress

Common Variations

States differ on:

• Intent requirements: Some require intent to harass; others don't
• Classification: Misdemeanor vs. felony (and when it escalates)
• Penalties: From small fines to years in prison
• Civil remedies: Some states allow victims to sue for damages
• Deepfake coverage: Some explicitly include AI-generated content

State-by-State Overview

Strong Protections (Felony potential, civil remedies)

Other Notable States

• Arizona: Class 5 Felony (possible prison)
• Georgia: Misdemeanor, enhanced for minors
• Massachusetts: Up to 2.5 years + $10,000 (as of 2024)
• Virginia: Class 1 Misdemeanor, explicitly covers deepfakes
• Washington: Gross Misdemeanor + civil action

When Charges Can Be Enhanced

Many states increase penalties when:

• The victim is a minor
• The perpetrator has prior convictions
• The distribution was for profit
• Multiple images were distributed
• The perpetrator made threats or demands

Civil Lawsuits: An Alternative Path

Even in states with weak criminal laws—or when prosecutors won't act—you may be able to sue the perpetrator directly. Civil suits offer:

• Lower burden of proof than criminal cases
• You control the case, not prosecutors
• Financial damages for emotional distress, lost income
• Statutory damages in some states (minimums regardless of actual harm)
• Attorney's fees covered by perpetrator if you win

Causes of Action

Common legal theories for civil suits:

• Invasion of privacy
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Public disclosure of private facts
• State NCII civil statute (where available)
• Copyright infringement (you own copyright to images of yourself)

How to Report Criminally

Step 1: Document Everything

Before contacting police:

• Screenshot all instances of your images
• Save URLs and usernames
• Note dates and platforms
• Save any communications with the perpetrator

Step 2: File a Police Report

Contact your local police department. Specifically request they investigate under your state's revenge porn statute. Be prepared for the possibility that officers may be unfamiliar with these relatively new laws.

Step 3: Follow Up

If local police are unhelpful:

• Escalate to the prosecutor's office directly
• Contact your state attorney general's office
• Reach out to victim advocacy organizations who can advocate for you
• Consider a lawyer who specializes in these cases

Federal Options

The TAKE IT DOWN Act provides federal criminal penalties. To report federally:

• FBI IC3: ic3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
• FBI Field Office: For serious cases, especially crossing state lines

Federal charges are most likely when:

• The perpetrator and victim are in different states
• Images were distributed widely online
• There were threats or extortion involved
• Minors were involved

Resources

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: 844-878-CCRI (2274) — 24/7 helpline
• RAINN: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Victim Rights Law Center: victimrights.org
• Your state's victim services: Search "[state] victim services"