‘Revenge porn’ bill close to passage in Georgia

The Georgia Senate unanimously agreed Monday to criminalize “revenge porn,” in which private photographs are uploaded, without permission, to the Internet.

The photos targeted by House Bill 838 are typically accompanied by identifying information about the subject, including names, workplaces, social media accounts and emails. First-time offenders under the bill would be guilty of a misdemeanor. Those caught more than once would be guilty of a felony, including as much as five years in jail and a $100,000 fine.

Georgia is one of more than a dozen states that have considered such legislation this year. Sponsored by state Rep. Kevin Tanner, R-Dawsonville, the bill seeks to close a loophole that allows people to post embarrassing images without consent.