New York SB 1042 (Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Images)

Summary

Amends the penal law to include the unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images created or altered by digitization.

Defines "digitization" as altering an image realistically using other persons' images or computer-generated images.

Defines unlawful dissemination of intimate images, including AI-generated or digitally altered images, as intentional, non-consensual acts causing emotional, financial, or physical harm to individuals.

Mandates that the actor knew or should have known that the person depicted did not consent to the dissemination or publication.

Repeals subdivision 2-a of section 245.15 of the penal law.

Specifies that the act takes effect on the sixtieth day after becoming law.

Amends penal law, prohibits unlawful dissemination of digitized intimate images, repeals related outdated provisions.

AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images created by digitization and of sexually explicit depictions of an individual; and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

Defines unlawful dissemination of intimate images, including AI-generated or digitally altered images, as intentional, non-consensual acts causing harm to individuals.

Section 1. Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 245.15 of the penal law, as added by chapter 109 of the laws of 2019, are amended to read as follows:

1. A person is guilty of unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image when: (a) with intent to cause harm to the emotional, financial or physical welfare of another person, they intentionally disseminate or publish a still or video image depicting such other person with one or more intimate parts exposed or engaging in sexual conduct with another person, including an image created or altered by digitization, where such person may reasonably be identified from the still or video image itself or from information displayed in connection with the still or video image; and (b) The actor knew or reasonably should have known that the person depicted did not consent to such dissemination or publication, including the dissemination or publication of an image taken with the consent of the person depicted when such person had a reasonable expectation that the image would remain private, regardless of whether the actor was present when such image was taken.

Defines "digitization" as altering an image in a realistic manner or computer generated images; repeals a law subdivision, taking effect 60 days post-enactment.

2. For purposes of this section the following terms shall have the following meanings: (a) "intimate part" means the naked genitals, pubic area, anus or female nipple of the person; (b) "disseminate" and "publish" shall have the same meaning as defined in section 250.40 of this title; (c) "sexual conduct" shall have the same meaning as defined in subdivision ten of section 130.00 of this chapter; and (d) "digitization" shall mean to alter an image in a realistic manner utilizing an image or images of a person, other than the person depicted, or computer generated images. § 2. Subdivision 2-a of section 245.15 of the penal law is repealed. § 3. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.