A new Virginia law will fine those who send unsolicited nude photos via the internet $500, which will be paid to recipients of the photos.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the bill into law on Monday, and it will go into effect on July 1.
This law applies to those over the age of 18 because nude photos involving those younger than 18 are considered child pornography by law. In that case, possession or distribution of such a photo is a felony.
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Those found to have sent the photos will pay “actual damages or $500, whichever is greater,” in addition to reasonable attorney expenses and costs, according to the law. Internet providers, mobile providers, and apps are protected from similar litigation, however. It further does not apply to healthcare providers who might be seeking to treat a medical issue in the genital area.
Violators of this law are also subject to further punitive damages per the discretion of the court in order to prevent the violator from repeating the offense.
Dating app Bumble commemorated the law’s signing on Tuesday. Since 2019, it has implemented a filter that is meant to capture and cover genitalia sent through its app.
“Today, Bumble celebrates the signing of SB 493 in Virginia,” the app tweeted. “This bill makes sending sexually explicit photos without permission a civil infraction with penalties of up to $500 and legal fees. Digital flashing is flashing.”
Today, Bumble celebrates the signing of SB 493 in Virginia. This bill makes sending sexually explicit photos without permission a civil infraction with penalties of up to $500 and legal fees. #digitalflashingisflashing
— Bumble (@bumble) April 12, 2022
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The law is one of the 700 bills Youngkin signed into law in Virginia’s latest legislative session.
This session produced 700 bipartisan bills making life easier for Virginians, our economy more competitive, supporting law enforcement, protecting the most vulnerable among us, increasing access to health care and taking necessary steps to make Virginia’s schools best in class. pic.twitter.com/AcjCkgCXTu
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) April 12, 2022
