Nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (revenge porn), including computer-generated images
MD Revenge Porn Law
Other · Artificial intelligence
Maryland criminalizes knowingly distributing intimate images of an identifiable person, with intent to harm, harass, or coerce, when the person knew or recklessly disregarded that the subject did not consent and the subject reasonably expected the image to stay private. A 2025 amendment (ch. 219) extended the definition to computer-generated images indistinguishable from the person and strengthened the civil action.
- Where
- Maryland
- Citation
- Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-809
- Status
- In force
- Last amended
- 2025-07-01
- Enforced by
- State's Attorneys (criminal); civil actions by the person depicted
- People can sue
- Yes
- Penalties
- Misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years' imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine (3-809(d)). The person depicted may sue for defamation per se or invasion of privacy and recover attorney's fees (3-809(f)).
- Applies to
- Any person who knowingly distributes a visual representation of an identifiable person with intimate parts exposed or engaged in sexual activity, including altered or computer-generated images indistinguishable from the person (3-809(a)(6), (c))
- Interactive computer services are not liable for third-party content (3-809(b)(2))
Practices it requires
- Do not knowingly distribute an intimate visual representation of an identifiable person, including a realistic computer-generated image, with intent to harm, harass, intimidate, threaten, or coerce, where the person did not consent (known or recklessly disregarded) and expected privacy.Crim. Law 3-809(c)
Other duties
- Victim images in court records for these cases are shielded from public inspection.Crim. Law 3-809(g)
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.
Unverified: Original enactment (2014) and first effective date not verified; attribution of the computer-generated-image definition to 2025 ch. 219 is based on its title.
Research reference, not legal advice.