New Cyber Revenge Bill Approved

The State Senate has approved legislation that would make cyber revenge a crime. Cyber revenge is the distribution of sexually graphic images of an individual without their consent, as well as posting online images originally obtained with consent within the context of a private relationship. The two-bill package would make it illegal in Michigan to post any sexually explicit image on the Internet without that person’s written permission. The bills also apply to malicious hackers who steal images and upload them to websites or send them to a victim’s family, friends and co-workers. First-time offenders would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $500 or both. Subsequent violations could result in a year in prison, a $1,000 fine or both.