Privacy Law Library

Nonconsensual Intimate Images (criminal distribution and civil action), including AI-generated images

IN Intimate Image Law

Other · Artificial intelligence

Indiana makes it a crime to distribute an intimate image when the distributor knows or should know the person shown did not consent. Since July 1, 2024, this covers images created or altered with AI or editing software. A separate civil action lets identifiable victims sue people who disclose intimate images to harass, intimidate, embarrass, or profit.

Where

Indiana

Citation

Ind. Code 35-45-4-8 (crime); Ind. Code art. 34-21.5 (civil action)

Status

In force

In force since

2019-07-01

Last amended

2026-07-01

Enforced by

County prosecutors (criminal); depicted individuals (civil)

People can sue

Yes

Penalties

Distribution of an intimate image is a Class A misdemeanor, or a Level 6 felony for repeat offenders (IC 35-45-4-8(d)). Civil plaintiffs may recover the greater of actual damages or up to $10,000 in statutory damages per defendant, plus the defendant's profits and punitive damages; the limitations period is 4 years from discovery (IC 34-21.5-3-2, 34-21.5-3-3).

Applies to

• Any person who distributes or discloses an intimate image of an identifiable person without consent, including computer-generated or AI-modified images (IC 35-45-4-8(c)-(d); IC 34-21.5-2-1, 34-21.5-3-1); news media, cloud providers, ISPs, and search engines are excluded from the crime (IC 35-45-4-8(a)), and interactive computer services are shielded from civil liability for third-party content (IC 34-21.5-3-4)