Legislation Passed To Help Law Enforcement Keep Pace with Evolving Technology

Bill would protect against predatory surveillance and distribution of obscene images

ALBANY – The Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean), that will help combat against sexual predators capitalizing on new technology to distribute obscene images.

With constantly evolving technology, pedophiles and other predators are increasingly finding new ways to broadcast obscene images of individuals, often taken without the person’s knowledge or consent, across the internet.

“Individuals have an inherent right to privacy and predators that maliciously obtain obscene images and then distribute those images online deserve to face the harshest repercussion for their actions,” said Senator Young. “As with all things, once an image goes online, it can often live forever and do irreversible harm to the photographed individual. When obscene images are taken without someone’s consent, the pain inflicted is felt mentally, emotionally, and is often long lasting; unfortunately, victims often cannot regain a sense of trust and privacy.”

Senate bill 2990 would create the crime of dissemination of an unlawful surveillance image without the consent or knowledge of another person to an internet website. The penalty for such crime will be a class A misdemeanor.

“This legislation will help law enforcement keep pace with evolving technology and combat against the perverse motives of those who wish to use technology for illicit means,” Senator Young said.