–  Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement today following the passage of H.R. 2052, the Protecting the Rights of Individuals Against Technological Exploitation, or PRIVATE Act: 

“Today the House showed true support for our military members by passing HR 2052, the PRIVATE Act, which increases protections for our nation’s heroes who are victimized by their fellow service members through acts known as “revenge porn.” As a nearly 30-veteran of the U.S. Air Force including service as a commander, I can tell you that this will enable other commanders the ability to clearly and efficiently discipline members of the military who engage in this shameful and demoralizing act."

Congressman Bacon is an original co-sponsor of this legislation, which was drafted in regards to the actions of individuals linked with the “Marines United” Facebook group who were posting nude and other intimate photos of women as well as their personal information, such as names and duty stations, without their consent or knowledge. 

The PRIVATE Act strengthens the Uniform Code of Military Justice by defining an individual’s right to privacy when it comes to consensual sharing of intimate media. Current law does not define when photo sharing is a crime, and only 35 states have statutes against sharing intimate digital media without consent.