Abuse Using Technology

Many states have laws about sharing sexual or intimate images. These laws generally prohibit anyone from taking or distributing intimate photos or videos without the consent of the person shown. They may also prohibit threatening to do so. Distributing an image could happen by posting it on a website or app. It could also include other sharing, like sending it to others over text message or email, or printing out the pictures and mailing them to others.

Crime names and exact definitions vary by state but may be something similar to unlawful dissemination of intimate images or unlawful disclosure of private images. In some states, a threat to share them can be a crime that comes under extortion or blackmail.

If the images were taken without your consent or without your knowledge, laws against unlawful surveillance or invasion of privacy may be broken as well. Stealing images from your computer may break a data theft or computer crime law in your state. You can look for the actual crimes in your state on our Crimes page by entering your state in the drop-down menu.