ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s Senate Bill 360, signed into law as Chapter 219 in the 2025 legislative session, strengthens protections against revenge porn by defining “visual representation” and expanding civil remedies for victims. The legislation, effective July 1, 2025, allows individuals to pursue civil actions against those who distribute non-consensual intimate imagery, including computer-generated depictions, as detailed on the Maryland General Assembly’s website.
SB 360 defines “visual representation” in the context of revenge porn as an unaltered image of a person or a computer-generated image—created with or without existing depictions—that is indistinguishable from the person to an ordinary observer. This definition encompasses both authentic and deepfake imagery of a sexual or intimate nature, addressing the growing threat of AI-generated non-consensual content. The law prohibits knowingly distributing such representations and authorizes victims to seek civil damages, including attorneys’ fees, for violations.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Katie Fry Hester, passed unanimously in the Senate on March 12, 2025 (47-0), and in the House on April 7, 2025 (140-0), following amendments by the House Judiciary Committee. The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault praised the bill’s passage, noting its role in clarifying criminal and civil remedies for survivors. “SB 360 amends the criminal law and permits prosecution for distribution of these images whether they are actual images, computer-generated images, or a combination of the two,” the coalition stated.
Victims can now file civil lawsuits against individuals who distribute non-consensual intimate imagery, providing a legal avenue to address harm without relying solely on criminal prosecution. The law’s civil action provision empowers survivors to seek compensation and hold perpetrators accountable, particularly when identifying the distributor is challenging. The inclusion of attorneys’ fees for prevailing plaintiffs aims to make legal recourse more accessible.
SB 360 was one of four bills addressing revenge porn and deepfakes in the 2025 session, alongside House Bills 663, 803, and 1248. The legislature refined SB 360 to ensure effective prohibitions, responding to the increasing prevalence of deepfake technology. The bill’s passage at 11:30 p.m. on the final day of the session underscored its priority, with leadership from Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chair Will Smith and House Judiciary Committee Chair Vanessa Atterbeary.
Maryland’s law aligns with national efforts, such as the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act, which criminalizes non-consensual intimate imagery and mandates its removal from online platforms. Maryland’s existing revenge porn laws, established in 2014, have been updated to address technological advancements, ensuring protections keep pace with digital abuse trends. The state’s approximately 30,000 annual reports of online abuse highlight the need for robust legal frameworks.
The legislation does not alter criminal penalties, which remain a misdemeanor with up to two years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. Instead, it focuses on civil remedies, complementing criminal statutes. The Judicial Proceedings Committee heard testimony from two proponents and two opponents, reflecting careful deliberation. SB 360’s enactment reinforces Maryland’s commitment to protecting residents from digital exploitation, particularly women and minors disproportionately affected by such violations.