| With nonconsensual, intimate, and explicit images and videos proliferating online, the General Assembly passed legislation yesterday that would require social media companies to take steps to remove this content from their platforms. Bill A3064 is sponsored by Assemblyman Chris Tully and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight. There’s been a significant rise in non-consensual intimate image (NCII) distribution, also known as “revenge porn.” Victims of NCII suffer emotional, psychological and reputational harm. To make matters worse, they often face difficulties in getting these images removed from social media platforms. “In a matter of minutes exploitative content can spread across platforms and leave victims to deal with the kind of lasting emotional and personal consequences that can last a lifetime,” said Assemblyman Tully (D-Bergen). “As technology continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of AI-generated media, we have a responsibility to make sure the protections in place evolve alongside it, and part of that responsibility is making sure there exists an effective pathway for getting harmful content removed quickly.” The bill would define intimate images and videos and would require social media companies to establish and implement procedures to assist nonprofit organizations in monitoring, flagging, and removing nonconsensual intimate images from social media platforms. “For victims, especially young people, the emotional toll of having what feels like your dignity taken away can be devastating and it is our responsibility to make sure they are not powerless in these moments,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “If we want people to be able to regain a sense of control, we need to make sure harmful content does not continue circulating unchecked in the first place, and this bill is an important step toward making that happen.” |