A marriage ends in divorce. A long term relationship ends in a break up. If you’re thinking about putting nude, sexually explicit or embarrassing photos of your ex online, you better think again!
The state of California makes it clear: no more revenge porn! They made an example out of Kevin Bollaert (the younger guy in the photo), operator of a former website called U Got Posted. This website allowed anyone to post nude or explicit pictures of anyone they wished to, without the victim’s knowledge or approval. Bollaert’s website required the victim’s age, name, location, and Facebook page. Bollaert’s U Got Posted also charged the victim $350 a pop to have the scandalous photo removed. Thousands of dollars were made through this extortion. But a San Diego, CA court found Kevin Bollaert’s guilty of 20 counts of ID theft and six counts of extortion. Bolleart could face 20 years in prison. This is the first time a revenge porn operator has ever been convicted of running such a website. California has specific and strict laws against revenge porn.
And to this I say, hats off to San Diego and California! I’m glad one state is taking a stand against this evil and madness. Revenge porn is often difficult to prosecute because victims often don’t own the revenge pictures. I don’t know if this is because so many Hollywood celebrities have fallen victim to this hacking and unwelcome attacks. But whatever the reason, I like this crackdown. There is an old saying: As California goes, so goes the nation. In this case, let it be so. I know some will defend such actions in the name of free speech. But with freedom comes responsibility. And every adult and teen knows right from wrong. We should all be responsible enough not to put our exes nude pics online, or to blackmail strangers to take them down. How would you like it if someone did that to you, or your loved ones?