New Jersey Assembly passes bill targeting nonconsensual intimate images on social media
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey General Assembly has passed legislation aimed at helping victims remove nonconsensual intimate images and videos from social media platforms.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Chris Tully and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, would require social media companies to cooperate with nonprofit organizations to monitor, flag and remove explicit content shared without a person’s consent.
Lawmakers said the measure responds to a growing rise in the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images, often referred to as “revenge porn,” including content generated using artificial intelligence technology.
Supporters of the legislation said victims often suffer serious emotional, psychological and reputational harm while facing challenges getting the material removed online.
“In a matter of minutes exploitative content can spread across platforms and leave victims to deal with the kind of lasting emotional and personal consequences that can last a lifetime,” said Assemblyman Tully, D-Bergen. “As technology continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of AI-generated media, we have a responsibility to make sure the protections in place evolve alongside it, and part of that responsibility is making sure there exists an effective pathway for getting harmful content removed quickly.”
Under the bill, social media companies would be required to establish procedures to assist nonprofit organizations in identifying and removing nonconsensual intimate images and videos from their platforms.
The legislation also defines what qualifies as intimate images and videos under state law.
“For victims, especially young people, the emotional toll of having what feels like your dignity taken away can be devastating and it is our responsibility to make sure they are not powerless in these moments,” said Assemblywoman Speight, D-Essex and Hudson. “If we want people to be able to regain a sense of control, we need to make sure harmful content does not continue circulating unchecked in the first place, and this bill is an important step toward making that happen.”
