Taking a bad breakup to the Internet could result in a felony conviction. Gov. Pat Quinn Mon., Dec. 29 signed a law intended to protect against so-called "revenge porn."
Illinois already makes it illegal to distribute explicit sexual images or videos taken without permission, but Sen. Michael Hastings, a Democrat from Tinley Park, says there was a loophole for photos or videos that were taken with consent -- say by romantic partner -- then later publicly distributed without permission.
Hastings says social media has made it easier than ever for a jilted lover to use explicit photos as a form of intimidation.
The new law makes it a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison, to disseminate these private sexual images.
