Government to criminalise revenge porn

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced that the government will bring in legislation to make 'revenge porn' a specific criminal offence punishable by up to two years' imprisonment.

Revenge porn typically occurs where a former lover publishes intimate photographs online, without the victim's consent, in order to punish and/or humiliate the victim.

The offence will target individuals who maliciously share photographs depicting victims engaged in sexual activity or 'in a sexual way', or with their genitals exposed.

It is proposed that the legislation be brought in via an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.  The offence will apply to images published online and offline, covering images disseminated on the World Wide Web, social media networks, text message, email and hard copy.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said:-

"The fact that there are individuals who are cruelly distributing intimate pictures of their former partners without their consent is almost beyond belief. We want those who fall victim to this type of disgusting behaviour to know that we are on their side and will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.  That is why we will change the law and make it absolutely clear to those who act in this way that they could face prison."

The government has indicated that it expects legislation to be in the statute books at some point in 2015.

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