Iowa Senate Bill SSB3004

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to harassment and extortion involving a person whose image was used in creating, adapting, or modifying a photograph or film, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2186.)

Impact

The proposed legislation would amend existing laws, particularly those found in Code sections 708.7 and 711.4, to clarify that individuals portrayed in manipulated or adapted photographs retain their rights against harassment. By explicitly including provisions for extortion when threats are made to disclose such images, the bill aims to deter potential offenders and protect the privacy and autonomy of individuals portrayed in these sensitive contexts. This could lead to a safer environment for victims of similar abuses and more stringent enforcement of privacy laws in the digital age.

Summary

SSB3004 focuses on enhancing protections against harassment and extortion related to the unauthorized use of individuals' images in photography or film. The bill specifies that a person commits harassment when they disseminate or publish images of another person in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual acts without the consent of the depicted individual. Additionally, it establishes penalties for such violations, which include significant fines and potential imprisonment, highlighting a strong legal stance against non-consensual sharing.

Contention

While proponents argue that SSB3004 is necessary to safeguard individual rights and reinforce the importance of consent in the dissemination of personal images, critics may raise concerns regarding the enforcement of these new laws. They might question how effectively law enforcement can address these issues, especially considering the rapid evolution of technology and social media. There may also be worries about the potential implications for artistic expression and journalism, where the boundaries of consent and public interest could become blurred.