What Is Revenge Porn?

Revenge porn, more accurately termed non-consensual intimate image abuse or image-based sexual abuse, refers to the distribution of sexually explicit photographs or videos of a person without their consent. While the colloquial term revenge porn implies a vindictive ex-partner as the perpetrator, the practice encompasses any non-consensual sharing of intimate images regardless of the relationship between the parties or the motivation behind the sharing. The harm caused by non-consensual image sharing can be devastating and long-lasting. Victims often experience severe psychological distress including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Professional consequences can include job loss, damaged career prospects, and strained workplace relationships. Social consequences range from public humiliation and damaged reputations to harassment from strangers who discover the content. The permanence of digital content means that once images are shared online, complete removal is extremely difficult. Legislation addressing revenge porn has expanded rapidly across the world. As of the mid-2020s, the majority of US states have laws criminalizing non-consensual intimate image distribution, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. The UK, Australia, Canada, and many European countries have enacted similar legislation. Federal legislation in the US has been proposed but not yet passed. Civil remedies allowing victims to sue perpetrators for damages are also available in many jurisdictions. Technology platforms have developed tools to combat non-consensual intimate images. Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta platforms participate in programs where potential victims can preemptively hash their images to prevent uploads. Google honors removal requests for non-consensual intimate images from search results. Organizations like the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative provide resources and support for victims. Prevention strategies include having frank conversations about image sharing with partners, understanding the risks of creating intimate content, and knowing your legal rights and available resources.