South Carolina legislature enacts law against non-consensual intimate image dissemination

South Carolina has taken a significant step toward combating the harmful practice of "revenge porn" with the introduction of House Bill 3058, which establishes new criminal penalties for the intentional dissemination of intimate images without consent. This legislation aims to address a critical gap in state law, as South Carolina was the only state without specific criminal statutes against such conduct.

The bill defines intimate images broadly, encompassing both still and video images that depict exposed body parts or explicit conduct. It also includes digitally forged images, which are altered or fabricated to misrepresent an individual in an explicit manner. Under this new law, individuals who share these images without consent could face severe penalties, including felony charges that carry up to five years in prison for a first offense and up to ten years for subsequent offenses, along with fines reaching $10,000.

A key aspect of the bill is its focus on intent. The legislation differentiates between felony and misdemeanor charges based on whether the dissemination was intended to cause harm or financial gain. This ensures that only those with malicious intent face the harshest penalties, while cases lacking such intent may be classified as misdemeanors.

During the meeting, lawmakers expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to address these offenses effectively. The amendment to the bill clarifies consent requirements and consolidates charges for multiple images of the same person into a single offense, reducing excessive penalties for similar conduct.

The passage of House Bill 3058 marks a pivotal moment for South Carolina, aligning the state with the other 49 states that have enacted similar laws. As the bill moves forward, it is expected to provide greater protection for individuals against the unauthorized sharing of intimate images, fostering a safer environment for all citizens.