Revenge Porn

Using technology or the internet to harm victims is unfortunately common. By sharing someone’s private or intimate materials without their permission, a person can seriously harm someone through humiliation and embarrassment or by putting them at risk in other ways. This type of exploitation, which is against the law, is sometimes referred to as ‘revenge porn’ or ‘sexual image exploitation.’

Dealing with the effects of having a private image or recording shared without your permission can be very difficult. If you are a victim of this type of crime, there are resources available and steps you can take to protect yourself.

What is revenge porn?

‘Revenge porn,’ or sexual image exploitation, is when someone shares or posts intimate images of someone without their permission (what the law calls “consent”). This often includes sexually graphic, private, or nude pictures or recordings being posted online or shared via technology, such as text, instant message, or email. It can also include images taken without the subject’s knowledge or permission (for example, with a hidden camera).

The person sharing or posting these images can be an ex-partner. It can also be a stranger who has hacked or accessed private information.

Under Arizona law A.R.S. § 13-1425, purposely posting or sharing an intimate image of someone without their consent is a crime if:

The person in the image is naked or engaged in a sexual activity (as described at A.R.S. § 11-811(18))
The person in the image had a reasonable expectation of privacy (for example, because they were not in a public place); and
The image is posted or shared with the intent to harm, harass, intimidate, threaten, or coerce the person in the image.

An image can be a photograph, video, film, or digital recording.

Revenge porn is a Class 5 or 4 felony in Arizona. A person convicted of revenge porn can face up to three years and nine months in jail. Even just threatening to post or share such an image is a criminal offense. A.R.S. § 13-1425(C)

What are my options if someone posts revenge porn?

If you are a victim of revenge porn, or if someone threatens to use revenge porn against you, you can report the crime to law enforcement.

additional options include:

Developing a safety plan or seeking a protective order (sometimes known as restraining order) against the offender if you are concerned for your safety. For more information about safety planning or protective orders, click here.

Reviewing security when it comes to technology and privacy. For more information about technology security and privacy, click here.

The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative lists resources for victims of revenge porn, including a helpline (844-878-2274) and an online removal guide.

Documenting the wrongfully posted material as evidence.

Can I do anything to get revenge porn removed from the internet?

If someone posts an intimate image without your permission, there are steps you can take to get it removed. Contact the platform where it is posted directly (Facebook, Reddit, etc.) to tell them about the post and ask them to remove it. Most platforms have resources available to users explaining how to report or have materials removed.