Social media sites are some of the fastest-changing media outlets in the world today. People use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other popular sites to keep their friends updated about their life. Sometimes, however, these sites are used for more nefarious purposes. A recent rule update from Twitter regarding revenge porn illustrates this problem. But, if you think violating the rules of Twitter is a big deal, it's important to understand that sharing private images for harassment online is against the law in Denver, Arapahoe, and El Paso County. Let's take a look at the rule change and why you need to be careful what you post.

Twitter Rule Update Bans Posting Revenge Porn

Twitter has updated their rules regarding sharing revenge porn. The new rule can be found under “Content Boundaries and Use of Twitter:”

“You may not post intimate photos or videos that were taken or distributed without the subject's consent.”

What Happens if You Break the Rules?

According to the Twitter Rules page, if you post intimate media of another person without their consent, two things could happen:

1.Your account “may be suspended.”

2.Your account may be “investigated for abuse,” and could be terminated.

Now, unless you use Twitter for your business and receive an income from it, the deletion of your Twitter profile will likely not have a major effect on your life, no matter how addicted you are to browsing your recent tweets. But, if you live in Adams, Jefferson, or Douglas County, or in many other states across the nation, your actions are also illegal – you could face criminal charges as well as get your Twitter account suspended.

Revenge Porn is Illegal in Colorado

Twitter's new rule is actually already illegal in the Denver area.

Last year, a new law was signed called Posting a Private Image for Harassment – C.R.S. 18-7-107. Put simply, it is illegal to post a private image of someone else's intimate parts online without their consent, with the intent to harass the person depicted and to inflict serious emotional distress. This law has been dubbed the “revenge porn” law, because usually intimate photos are shared in order to get revenge on an ex-lover. This crime is a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a possible jail sentence of up to 18 months and up to $10,000.00 in fines. And, because this crime is usually committed between two people who have been in an “intimate relationship,” the Domestic Violence sentence-enhancer is almost always added, which aggravates the sentence.

Why You Need a Lawyer if You Post Revenge Porn

Relationships are difficult and emotions run high – if you made a mistake after a breakup, contact us for a free consultation to protect your future.

We get it. Relationships are difficult, and emotions are high after a bad breakup. If you made a mistake and posted sexual, intimate photos of your ex online and have been charged with Posting a Private Image for Harassment, don't hesitate to contact one of our expert criminal defense lawyers. Here at the O'Malley Law Office, we believe a mistake shouldn't harm your long-term future. Contact a hardworking criminal defense attorney for a free consultation to learn how our aggressive defense on your behalf is priceless in the courtroom.

If you or a loved one has posted an image online and have been charged under the revenge porn law, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.