Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) announced that the Assembly & Senate today unanimously passed legislation he authored to criminalize the unlawful dissemination and publication of intimate images, commonly referred to as revenge porn, and also provide victims with a civil private right of action (A.5981).

“Revenge porn is a pervasive problem that often results in victims being threatened with sexual assault, stalked, harassed, or fired from jobs,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “Some victims have even committed suicide due to the severe emotional pain caused by the disclosure of their intimate photos. The passage of this legislation sends a strong message that individuals who engage in this type of reprehensible behavior will be held accountable for their actions.”

“Once this bill is signed into law, perpetrators will face up to a year in prison, providing prosecutors with the tools necessary to punish those who commit these despicable crimes,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “Victims will also be able to file for a court order requiring websites to permanently remove the offending images as well as obtain significant civil penalties against the abuser. This would make New York the first state in nation to allow a court to issue an injunction requiring websites to take these videos and images down.”

“Additionally, I would like to thank Carrie Goldberg, a victim’s rights lawyer at C. A. Goldberg, PLLC, as well as the advocates at the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Sanctuary for Families, and the Cyber Sexual Abuse Task Force, for their tireless advocacy over the last 6 years on this important issue, said Assemblyman Braunstein.”

“No one – absolutely no one – should be subjected to having their most intimate moments blasted across the internet without their consent,” said Speaker Heastie. “Today’s legislation will ensure that people who illegally publish the intimate images of others are held accountable for their reprehensible actions. I’m glad we could work with our friends and colleagues in the Senate to give victims of revenge porn the justice they deserve.”

“I am proud to have worked together with Assemblyman Braunstein and with all stakeholders to pass this vitally important bill. Today is not only a win for the State Legislature, but for all victims of this unspeakable violation. This is a testament to the strength we have when we work together to protect all New Yorkers,” said Senator Monica R. Martinez.

This bill would criminalize the unlawful dissemination or publishing of intimate images without the subjects' consent, and with the intent to cause emotional, financial or physical harm to another person. The legislation would also create a private right of action for victims to pursue damages and injunctive relief against the individual and ask a judge to order websites to remove the images. This right of action would work in conjunction with the criminal law, but would not require a conviction or charge in order to proceed. Under the new legislation, victims of revenge porn would have the choice to pursue a criminal case, a civil case or both.

“This law puts sexual privacy where it belongs – in the hands of New Yorkers,” said Carrie Goldberg, an advisory board member at the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. “I started my firm in 2014 to fight for victims of sexual assault and stalking because I couldn’t find a lawyer when I was under attack by a vengeful ex threatening to spread pictures of me. And over the last five years, hundreds of New Yorkers have sought our help when they suffered the humiliation and backlash from their most private moments being posted on the internet and social media for the world to see. Some lost jobs; others were blackmailed and stalked by strangers. We are grateful for the tenacity of Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, the original architect of this law and ongoing champion. He’s a privacy hero. Finally, victims of the most intimate kind of violation can seek criminal redress, a restraining order, and justice from our civil courts.”

“At Sanctuary for Families, we have seen the devastating damage that cyber sexual abuse has caused our clients and their frustration and outrage that so little can be done to punish their abusers,” said Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, Executive Director of Sanctuary for Families, New York’s leading advocate and provider of services for survivors of gender-based violence. “We are proud of the extraordinary contributions that Sanctuary’s staff have made in shaping this bill and are grateful to Assemblyman Braunstein and his colleagues in Albany for their leadership. Thanks to today’s vote, victims of cyber sexual abuse in New York State will finally have the legal recourse to seek relief from the flood of horrific online harassment that they have long been denied. We hope that the Governor will act quickly to sign this measure into law.”