President Donald Trump has signed a landmark bill criminalizing the non-consensual distribution of explicit images — commonly referred to as “revenge porn.” The new law, passed with bipartisan support in Congress, establishes federal penalties for individuals who share intimate content without the subject’s consent, marking a significant step in digital privacy legislation.
The legislation makes it a federal crime to knowingly distribute or publish sexually explicit images or videos of another person without their consent, particularly when done with the intent to harass, intimidate, or harm. Offenders could face fines and up to five years in prison under the new statute.
“Everyone deserves control over their own image and privacy,” President Trump said during the signing ceremony. “This law sends a clear message that online abuse will not be tolerated.”
The bill also requires social media platforms and online hosting services to remove non-consensual explicit content promptly upon request, reinforcing the legal responsibility of tech companies to protect user rights.
Advocacy groups praised the move, noting that while many states already have their own revenge porn laws, the absence of a federal statute made it difficult to prosecute offenders who operated across state lines. “This is a victory for victims who’ve waited too long for justice,” said a spokesperson for the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative.
Digital rights experts acknowledge the law as an important milestone, though some have raised concerns about enforcement challenges and the balance between privacy and free speech.
The law is expected to take effect within 90 days. While some early reports suggest it may apply to unresolved incidents from the past two years, legal experts caution that retroactive enforcement will depend on judicial interpretation and future guidance.
