Texas Senate Bill SB1496

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to removal of certain intimate visual material by a search engine operator of an Internet website; imposing a civil penalty.

Impact

The introduction of SB1496 is significant as it introduces a civil penalty for violation, set at a maximum of $500 per day, which can be enforced by the attorney general or a local prosecuting attorney. The law mandates that search engine operators must actively monitor their platforms to ensure the automatic removal of reposted intimate visual material, demonstrating a shift towards greater responsibility for online platforms in protecting individuals' privacy rights.

Summary

SB1496 is a legislative bill aimed at addressing the unauthorized distribution of intimate visual material online. Specifically, it pertains to scenarios where such material is obtained or created with an individual's reasonable expectation of privacy and subsequently made publicly available without their consent. The bill seeks to hold search engine operators accountable for the dissemination of this type of content, imposing requirements on them to cooperate in the removal of such material when requested by the affected individuals.

Contention

While the bill is designed to protect individuals from the violation of their privacy, it may raise concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of the proposed regulations. Questions linger about how effectively search engine operators can monitor and remove the material, as well as the potential for misuse of the removal process. Critics may argue that the requirements could impose undue burdens on search engine companies, complicating their operations while supporters emphasize the need for stronger protections for victims of intimate material distribution without consent.