California expands the prohibition on ‘revenge porn’

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Gov. Jerry Brown has approved two bills expanding a state ban on so-called revenge porn.

The Democratic governor announced Tuesday that he signed SB1255 by Republican Sen. Anthony Cannella of Ceres and AB2643 by Democratic Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski of Fremont.

Under current state law, it is a misdemeanor to post identifiable nude pictures of someone else online without permission with the intent to cause emotional distress or humiliation. The penalty is up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Cannella’s bill clarifies that the ban on sharing intimate photos by former lovers without consent includes “selfies,” or pictures taken by the victim.

Wieckowski’s bill allows victims of such crimes to sue for damages using a pseudonym.