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Current as of January 01, 2022 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
§ 11-23.5. Non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images.
(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this Section:
“Computer”, “computer program”, and “data” have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 17-0.5 of this Code.
“Image” includes a photograph, film, videotape, digital recording, or other depiction or portrayal of an object, including a human body.
“Intimate parts” means the fully unclothed, partially unclothed or transparently clothed genitals, pubic area, anus, or if the person is female, a partially or fully exposed nipple, including exposure through transparent clothing.
“Sexual act” means sexual penetration, masturbation, or sexual activity.
“Sexual activity” means any:
(1) knowing touching or fondling by the victim or another person or animal, either directly or through clothing, of the sex organs, anus, or breast of the victim or another person or animal for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal; or
(2) any transfer or transmission of semen upon any part of the clothed or unclothed body of the victim, for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal of the victim or another; or
(3) an act of urination within a sexual context; or
(4) any bondage, fetter, or sadism masochism; or
(5) sadomasochism abuse in any sexual context.
(b) A person commits non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images when he or she:
(1) intentionally disseminates an image of another person:
(A) who is at least 18 years of age; and
(B) who is identifiable from the image itself or information displayed in connection with the image; and
(C) who is engaged in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed, in whole or in part; and
(2) obtains the image under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the image was to remain private; and
(3) knows or should have known that the person in the image has not consented to the dissemination.
(c) The following activities are exempt from the provisions of this Section:
(1) The intentional dissemination of an image of another identifiable person who is engaged in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed when the dissemination is made for the purpose of a criminal investigation that is otherwise lawful.
(2) The intentional dissemination of an image of another identifiable person who is engaged in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed when the dissemination is for the purpose of, or in connection with, the reporting of unlawful conduct.
(3) The intentional dissemination of an image of another identifiable person who is engaged in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed when the images involve voluntary exposure in public or commercial settings.
(4) The intentional dissemination of an image of another identifiable person who is engaged in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed when the dissemination serves a lawful public purpose.
(d) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to impose liability upon the following entities solely as a result of content or information provided by another person:
(1) an interactive computer service, as defined in 47 U.S.C. 230(f)(2);
(2) a provider of public mobile services or private radio services, as defined in Section 13-214 of the Public Utilities Act; or
(3) a telecommunications network or broadband provider.
(e) A person convicted under this Section is subject to the forfeiture provisions in Article 124B of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963.
(f) Sentence. Non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images is a Class 4 felony.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Illinois Statutes Chapter 720. Criminal Offenses § 5/11-23.5. Non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images - last updated January 01, 2022 | https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-720-criminal-offenses/il-st-sect-720-5-11-23-5.html
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