A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Revenge Porn Bill Signed Into Law

Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, is sponsor of Illinois' new revenge porn law.
ilga.gov
Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, is sponsor of Illinois' new revenge porn law.
Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, is sponsor of Illinois' new revenge porn law.
Credit ilga.gov
Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, is sponsor of Illinois' new revenge porn law.

Taking a bad breakup to the Internet could result in a felony conviction. Gov. Pat Quinn Mon., Dec. 29 signed a law intended to protect against so-called "revenge porn."

Illinois already makes it illegal to distribute explicit sexual images or videos taken without permission, but Sen. Michael Hastings, a Democrat from Tinley Park, says there was a loophole for photos or videos that were taken with consent -- say by romantic partner -- then later publicly distributed without permission.

Hastings says social media has made it easier than ever for a jilted lover to use explicit photos as a form of intimidation.

The new law makes it a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison, to disseminate these private sexual images.

Copyright 2021 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS. To see more, visit NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
Amanda Vinicky
Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.