The State of the States: The Continuing Struggle to Criminalize Revenge Porn
2015; Brigham Young University; Volume: 2015; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
0360-151X
Autores Tópico(s)Law, Rights, and Freedoms
ResumoI. INTRODUCTIONDesire Luzinda is Uganda's Jennifer Lawrence or Kate Upton. She is neither an actor nor a model. Luzinda does not come close to the number of Facebook or Twitter followers of Lawrence or Upton.1 Furthermore, she most likely does not compare in net worth to her two prominent American counterparts.2 Though Luzinda is a popular figure in Uganda, her similarities with Lawrence and Upton do not come from her fame and fortune. Rather, the Ugandan singer is the latest victim in the technological plague that is becoming a newly popular method of attaining revenge against one's ex-wife, husband, or lover.Luzinda's recent debacle has caused many problems for her family and career. Her ex-boyfriend circulated nude pictures of Luzinda allegedly to teach her a lesson.3 In addressing the issue, she stated:I want to sincerely apologi[z]e to my mother, to my daughter, to my family, to my friends, my fans and any other people who have been offended by these images . . . this was a breach of trust by someone I loved. I take full responsibility for having lost my mind to take such shameful pics [sic]. This person has not only abused that trust but now seeks to drag me down . . . . These images in no way should define who I am.4Those who have been victims of revenge porn can sympathize with Luzinda's feelings and emotions. Surely, these situations are devastating, as a breach of privacy has completely upset the balance of a successful family life and career. Questions loom as to where these victims can turn for redress. For Luzinda, rather than turning to legal authorities for assistance, she will actually have to answer to them. The Ugandan Ethics Minister called for her arrest to enforce a anti-pornography law that punishes 'indecent' behavior after the pictures surfaced.5Seeking to avoid outcomes like Luzinda's, legal scholars are debating which areas of law will be best suited to remedy these crimes.6 The debates emphasize the strengths of existing areas of law that can potentially provide the legal remedy against revenge porn exploitations. However, holes and uncertainty present the need for new laws and legislative awareness addressing the issue. States have now taken action and have begun to address revenge porn and its expansion with the rise of the Internet.7 For the purposes of this Comment, is the malicious online distribution of sexually explicit pictures or videos of a victim, without consent, that occurs after the relationship terminates, where the pictures were taken by either selfie or by an intimate partner with the intent to retain privacy.This Comment will discuss the legality of revenge porn and argue that, under the current status quo, California's revenge porn statute is an effective model for other states and should stand as a basis for future state legislation. Part II briefly addresses the history of revenge porn and the current state of affairs. Part III discusses the forms of legal redress that have been presented as solutions to eradicate the problem, along with some key strengths and weaknesses of each. It also analyzes the states' actions addressing the matter and the superiority of California's statute in comparison with others. Part IV addresses the fact that states will continue to struggle passing complete revenge porn laws without first addressing the initial distribution and consent of the images. It also focuses on possible federal remedies. Part V concludes.II. THE ONGOING REVENGE PORN PROBLEMRevenge porn, or at least the concepts of breach of trust and privacy underlying revenge porn, has existed since early history (c. 484-c.425 B.C.).8 The great historian Herodotus describes the account of King Candaules, early king over Lydia, and his betrayal of his wife's trust in their relationship.9 In the account, the King approaches the guard Gyges with a furtive plan to have Gyges behold [the King's wife] naked. …
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