The rise of social media has made it very easy for people to interact with one another – any user can hop online to access or contribute to a whole world of content. Individuals who share an intimate relationship can easily exchange private content.
However, there is always the possibility that one person decides to share this content to the whole world. In Illinois, this could lead to serious criminal charges.
What is revenge porn?
Revenge porn is the act of sharing intimate photos or videos of someone without their consent. For content to be considered as such, it must fit these conditions:
- The person targeted is identifiable
- They are at least 18 years old
- The person shared the content expecting it to be kept private
- Their intimate parts are exposed
- They are engaging in sexual activity
It is important to note that the spread of revenge porn does not only take place online. It is also possible through the distribution of physical materials. Individuals facing accusations of this should not take these allegations lightly.
It can lead to serious consequences
Spreading revenge porn is a criminal offense in Illinois. Individuals who are charged with it may face a Class 4 Felony, a maximum of three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
Furthermore, accusations of spreading someone’s intimate content can affect an individual’s personal and social life because of the nature of the allegations. For example:
- It can destroy the trust between two intimate partners
- It can harm a person’s reputation among their peers
- It may affect a person’s future relationships
Leaking someone’s intimate content can result in serious legal and social consequences. It is important for people to take great care on social media.