In the age of smartphones and social media, the ways people connect and communicate have transformed, for better or worse. Revenge pornography is more than just a scandalous headline or a “private matter.” It’s a crime. In Texas, sending, posting, or even threatening to share intimate images without consent lands you in serious legal trouble, which goes beyond vindictive exes or scorned lovers. With the rise of deepfakes, the issue has escalated, turning anyone into a potential victim. So, what happens when someone crosses the line into revenge porn or deepfake territory in the Lone Star State?
A Felony You Don’t Want on Your Record
In 2015, Texas made a loud statement: revenge porn is illegal. The law criminalizes the distribution of “intimate visual material” without the consent of the person in the images or videos. That means if you’re sharing private images—no matter how you got them—you’re committing a felony.
Texas doesn’t leave victims hanging, either. Under Chapter 98B of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, victims can file civil lawsuits. These lawsuits could make the perpetrator pay for emotional distress, lost wages, attorney’s fees, and more.
When Technology Becomes a Weapon
Fast forward to 2023, and the revenge porn scene has gone high-tech with deepfake pornography. Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to superimpose someone’s face onto an explicit video.
In response, Texas passed a law making deepfake porn illegal. Creating or distributing these altered images means you’re breaking the law. The penalties? Similar to revenge porn—jail time and fines. Why the crackdown? Because deepfakes can destroy a person’s reputation, career, and mental well-being, all while the victim had no part in creating the explicit material.
Just Watching Could Be a Crime Too
Here’s where things get even darker. If the images or videos involve anyone underage, the law doesn’t care if you didn’t create or share it. Just watching this kind of material is a crime. The legal system treats it as child pornography, and that’s an automatic felony with severe consequences. Ignorance won’t save you either. Claiming you didn’t know the person’s age won’t get you out of trouble. It’s a serious crime with serious penalties.
Protect Yourself or Pay the Price
The laws surrounding revenge porn and deepfake pornography are clear: if you distribute or even threaten to distribute someone’s intimate images without their consent, you’re in big trouble. If you’re thinking about taking a technological shortcut to hurt someone, Texas is ready to throw the book at you.
If you or someone you know is being charged with anything related to revenge pornography or deepfake pornography, you need a legal ally who’s ready to fight for you. Contact Ryan Brown Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C., at (806) 372-5711 to defend your rights and protect your future.
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