LANSING – The Michigan Senate also passed a pair of bills (SB 924 and SB 925 ) to criminalize cyber revenge, or the posting of sexually explicit images on the Internet without the consent of an individual, and images given with consent in a private relationship.
“In a split second a sexually explicit photo can be uploaded to the Internet without the individual’s consent – permanently ruining their reputation,” Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren), one of the sponsors of the bills, said in a statement. “The support Republicans and Democrats have shown for these bills is proof that cyber revenge will not be tolerated in the state of Michigan.”
SB 924 and SB 925 create penalties subjecting a first time offender to a $500 fine or a maximum of 93 days in prison, or both. A second time offender is subject to a $1,000 fine or up to a year in prison, or both. The bills were passed with unanimous approval.
“We live in a time of great technological advancements. Unfortunately, in the cases of cyber revenge, these advancements are being abused to intimidate or harass many people,” Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) said. “The state of Michigan is taking a stand on behalf of these victims by providing authorities with tools to help stop cyber revenge and prosecute the oppressors.”
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