Posting ‘revenge porn’ online will now be classed as specific offence for the first time under the UK’s Criminal Justice and Court Act.
The new crime means that anyone who posts revenge porn – “private, sexual images of someone without consent and with the intent to cause distress” – either online or offline can face up to two years in prison.
‘Revenge porn’ is usually shared either offline or online to shame ex-partners or other individuals featured in the shared content.
‘Revenge porn’ on social media
Those who post ‘revenge porn’ on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can be punished, as well as those who share images via text messaging. Individuals who physically show photographs to another person can also be punished under the offence.
Other laws have made it possible to prosecute offenders, but making revenge porn a specific offence delivers the message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The Act now means that online trolls can also face up to two years in prison, whilst jurors cannot legally research the details of cases both online and offline or share details of research with other jurors.
Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary, said: “Crime has fallen, serious offenders are going to prison for longer and now we have changed the law to deliver tougher and swifter justice for victims and the public.
“As well as bringing in a range of vital new offences and other important legal changes our reforms are strengthening sentencing powers to provide better protection for our communities.”
