Israel’s parliament banned nude photos and sexually explicit films posted online without the subject’s consent Monday, making it the first country to ban “revenge porn”.
The bill was introduced by Knesset member Yifat Kariv, after a video posted to WhatsApp of a man having sex with his ex came to her attention, according to Haaretz.
“We are witnessing more and more cases of sexual assaults that were filmed and distributed in public without restraint and without limits; this legislative intervention is necessary and will help fight the shocking phenomenon of ‘virtual rape,’” said Kariv.
Although Israel is the first country to ban non-consensual sexual material outright, some U.S. lawmakers are attempting to pass similar legislation. In October, California made it a misdemeanor to post nude pictures of someone else online without permission with the intent to cause emotional distress or humiliation. Another proposed bill outlawing “revenge porn” was rejected in Florida due to First Amendment issues.
Israeli offenders could face five years in jail as a result of the legislation.
[Haaretz]