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LANSING, Mich. (May 1, 2014) — Legislation criminalizing “cyber revenge” was introduced in the Michigan Senate Thursday.
Cyber revenge is the distribution of sexually graphic images of someone without their consent, as well as posting online images obtained with consent in a private relationship.
The bills would make it illegal to post sexually explicit images on the internet without the person’s written permission. First-time offenders would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of $500.
Repeat offenders could receive one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
The legislation was co-sponsored by Senators Rick Jones and Steven Bieda.
The bill also applies to hackers who steal images and upload them to websites or send them to a victim’s family, friends and co-workers, according to a release.
Senate Bills 924 and 925 are expected to be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. Jones is the chair of the committee and Bieda serves as minority vice-chair.
