Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3004

Introduced
1/10/24  
Introduced
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.

Companion Bills

IA SF2186

Replaced by 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.(Formerly SSB 3004.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF35

A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publication, distribution, or posting of personal information, and making penalties applicable.

IA HF201

A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publication, distribution, or posting of personal information, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 849.)

IA HF849

A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publication, distribution, or posting of personal information, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 201.)

IA A2303

Clarifies consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in a sexual manner does not include or imply consent to disclosure of image.

IA S2626

Clarifies consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in sexual manner does not include or imply consent to disclosure of image.

IA SF5

A bill for an act relating to invasion of privacy, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 289.)

IA SF289

A bill for an act relating to invasion of privacy, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly SF 5.)

IA SSB3156

A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2400.)

IA SSB1097

A bill for an act relating to illegal gaming, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 395.)

IA HB629

Sex offenses, certain; sexual extortion, unlawful creation of image of another, penalties.

Similar Bills

NH HB1302

relative to post-arrest photograph distribution by law enforcement officers.

MI HB4047

Civil procedure: civil actions; cause of action for media that falsely depicts an individual engaging in sexual conduct; provide for. Creates new act.

MI HB4048

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; guidelines for dissemination of deep fake sexual images; enact. Amends sec. 17b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.17b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4047'25

CA SB683

Privacy: use of a person’s name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness: injunctive relief.

CA AB2416

Privacy: use of a person’s name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness.

SD SB41

Revise a provision related to criminal invasions of privacy, prohibit the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated material of an identifiable individual, and provide penalties therefor.

ME LD1944

An Act to Protect Individuals from the Threatened Unauthorized Dissemination of Certain Private Images, Including Artificially Generated Private Images

VA SB775

Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.