Is Revenge Porn Illegal?

The answer is yes: In most states, revenge porn is a criminal offense. Laws have evolved significantly over the past decade, providing both criminal penalties and civil remedies for victims.

However, legal protections still vary by location, and some challenges remain in terms of what legal steps victims can take to protect themselves.

Understanding How the Law Defines Revenge Porn

Revenge porn is legally defined as the distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of an individual without their consent, with the intent to cause distress, harm, or humiliation.

The defining factor is lack of consent, not how the material was obtained.

Most laws define revenge porn by:

• Intent: The perpetrator shares content to hurt or embarrass the victim.
• Content type: The material involves nudity or sexual acts.
• Consent: The victim did not agree to the sharing or publication of the content.
• Identification: The victim can be recognized in the content, by name, face, or context.

Some states also consider threatening to share such content as a crime, even if it’s never actually distributed.

Is Revenge Porn a Federal Crime?

Yes. In May 2025, Congress passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, criminalizing non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

The Act also requires websites and digital platforms to instill a process for removing such images and content at victims’ requests.

In addition, several federal laws may be applied to cases involving non-consensual pornography, including:

• Cyberstalking statutes
• Interstate threats or harassment
• Identity theft or extortion laws
• Computer fraud and abuse

State Laws on Revenge Porn

As of 2025, 48 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C. and Guam, have enacted laws that specifically criminalize revenge porn. Each state’s legislation varies in how it defines the offense, the level of punishment, and the rights of victims.

Examples of state laws on revenge porn:

• Some states classify it as a felony, while others treat it as a misdemeanor.
• Intent to harm may be required in certain jurisdictions.
• First Amendment challenges have shaped how laws are written, especially in balancing free speech and privacy rights.

Only two states lack specific revenge porn laws, though victims in those states may still seek justice under broader harassment, invasion of privacy, or cybercrime statutes.

Criminal Penalties for Sharing Revenge Porn

Criminal penalties for revenge porn vary by state and the severity of the offense.

Potential penalties include:

• Misdemeanor charges: Jail time (typically up to 1 year), probation, and fines.
• Felony charges: Longer prison sentences (up to 5 years or more), particularly for repeat offenses or if the victim is a minor.
• Sex offender registration: In some states, those convicted may be required to register as a sex offender.
• Protective or restraining orders: Courts may also issue no-contact orders to prevent further harm or harassment.

These consequences are designed to deter this type of abuse and hold offenders accountable for the significant harm they cause.

In addition to criminal penalties, victims can also file civil lawsuits in order to seek financial damages for the different types of harm experienced.

How Revenge Porn Laws Protect Victims

Revenge porn laws are not just about punishing offenders. They’re also designed to protect and empower victims.

Legal protections may include:

• The right to file a police report and press charges.
• Orders of protection or restraining orders to stop further harassment.
• Civil lawsuits for damages related to emotional distress, loss of income, or reputational harm.
• Court orders for content removal, such as takedown demands to websites or social media platforms.

With the growing recognition of image-based sexual abuse as a serious crime, some states also have advocacy programs to help navigate the legal process and connect victims to support.

Challenges in Prosecuting Revenge Porn Cases

Despite progress, there are still legal and practical challenges in holding perpetrators accountable.

Common obstacles to prosecuting revenge porn perpetrators include:

• Jurisdiction issues: Content is often shared across state lines or anonymously online, complicating legal action.
• Proof of intent: Some states require evidence that the content was shared specifically to harm or harass.
• Lack of resources: Law enforcement or courts may not be trained to handle digital sexual abuse cases.
• Victim reluctance: Shame, fear of retaliation, or the emotional toll of reliving the abuse can deter victims from pursuing justice.
• Content permanence: Even with court orders, removing all traces of explicit material from the internet can be extremely difficult.

Efforts to address these challenges include proposed federal laws, more robust victim protection policies, and increased public awareness.

Legal Steps to Take as a Revenge Porn Victim

If you’ve been targeted by revenge porn, you have legal rights and options. Taking action can help stop the abuse and begin the healing process.

Steps to consider when taking action for a revenge porn crime:

1. Document the evidence: Take screenshots with timestamps and URLs. Save copies of messages, emails, or platform posts.
2. Report the abuse: Contact your local police department or district attorney’s office. You may also be able to file a report with the website or social media platform.
3. Get legal support: Speak with a lawyer or legal aid organization experienced in revenge porn or cybercrime.
4. Request content removal: Use Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notices. Submit removal requests to Google, Reddit, Twitter, etc.
5. Apply for protective orders: Courts can issue no-contact or restraining orders against the perpetrator.

Each step helps reclaim your control and builds a legal record that can support your case.

Raising Awareness for Revenge Porn Crimes & Victim Support

Raising awareness is key to changing public attitudes and strengthening legal protections. Advocacy efforts help destigmatize victims, educate communities, and push for stronger laws.

How to support the cause:

• Educate others about consent and digital privacy.
• Advocate for federal legislation, like the SHIELD Act.
• Share survivor stories (with permission) to reduce shame and isolation.
• Support organizations that provide legal and emotional help to victims.
• Encourage schools, workplaces, and digital platforms to take part in prevention.

Everyone has a role to play in building a safer, more respectful digital culture.

Next Legal Steps for Revenge Porn Victims

If you’ve been impacted by revenge porn, your next steps might include consulting a lawyer, reaching out to a victim advocacy group, or working with law enforcement to press charges. Legal action is not easy, but it’s a path toward justice, closure, and protection.

No one deserves to be violated, exploited, or silenced. You have rights, and support is available to help you enforce them.

Written by the Porn Addiction Editorial Staff