People who post explicit pictures of exes online face jail sentence after 'revenge porn' is outlawed in California



Legislation passed to tackle growing problem of 'revenge porn'



Spurned lovers who post graphic images of ex face prison sentences

Those convicted of malicious intent could also be fined $1,000

'Revenge porn' has been outlawed in California after the state's governor signed a bill making it illegal to post explicit pictures of people online without their permission.



Bitter exes who share naked pictures of their former partners in an attempt to humiliate them will now face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.



The landmark bill cracks down on the growing practice, which could previously be tackled only by the victims suing their persecutors.



'Until now, there was no tool for law enforcement to protect victims,' the bill's author, state senator Anthony Cannella, said. 'Too many have had their lives upended because of an action of another that they trusted.'



Revenge: Those convicted of posting pornographic images of former lovers online could be jailed for up to six months (file photo)

The American Civil Liberties Union had opposed the bill which was signed by Jerry Brown yesterday, saying it might restrict web users' free speech.



A similar law proposed in Florida was rejected by lawmakes following concerns that it might prove unconstitutional.

Legislative director of the California State Sheriff's Association, Nick Warner, last month welcomed the move to tackle those who post pictures and video online in an attempt to embarrass and humiliate their ex girlfriends, boyfriends and spouses.

He said: ‘It’s happening with increasing frequency. I didn’t even know what the phrase meant a year ago.’

Mr Canella added: ‘We had some victims come forward and we did some research and we felt it was something important to address.’

Victims: Senator Anthony Canella has sponsored the bill believing it was 'important' the matter was addressed

The Republican state senator said there are even websites in operation that charge victims to take down explicit photos they repost.

Holly Jacobs has been trying to ban the practice with her campaign End Revenge Porn. She herself was a victim when an ex-boyfriend posted naked images of her after they split up.



She has been working with Mr Canella on the making the bill as effective as possible in protecting victims.

According to Buzzfeed , Ms Jacobs wrote in an email : ‘I have made every effort to ensure that it is worded in such a way as to provide the appropriate protection to victims while being careful not to impose on First Amendment rights.’

She added: ' If this bill ultimately becomes a law, I am confident and excited about the prospect that other states will follow suit and pass their own bills to outlaw revenge porn.'

Hopeful: Founder of campaign End Revenge Porn Holly Jacobs has worked closely with Mr Canella