The "Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act" aims to establish legal protections for individuals whose private, intimate images are disclosed without their consent. The bill defines key terms such as "intimate image," "consent," and "harm," and creates a civil cause of action for depicted individuals who suffer harm from intentional or threatened disclosures of their intimate images. It specifies that a person can be held liable if they knew or acted with reckless disregard regarding the consent and privacy of the depicted individual. Additionally, the bill clarifies that previous consent to the creation or sharing of an image does not imply ongoing consent for future disclosures.
The legislation also outlines exceptions to liability, particularly for disclosures made in good faith to law enforcement or for legal proceedings, and provides protections for parents or guardians disclosing images of minors under certain conditions. Victims can seek damages, including economic and noneconomic damages, statutory damages, and attorney's fees. The act includes provisions for sealing the identity of plaintiffs to protect their privacy and establishes a statute of limitations for filing claims. The bill is designed to align with existing laws, including the Communications Decency Act, and will take effect upon the Governor's approval.