If someone has posted intimate photos or videos of you online without your permission—or if they’ve created fake, explicit images of you using AI—you may now have stronger legal options under a new federal law. At Aubrey Givens & Associates, PLLC, we help victims of revenge porn and deepfake exploitation take back control, protect their rights, and pursue justice.
What Is Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn is when private, sexually explicit images or videos are shared without your consent. It often involves a former partner posting content that was once shared in confidence, but it can also include hackers, strangers, or acquaintances who distribute private material.
This kind of abuse can be devastating. It can affect your personal life, damage your career, and cause emotional and psychological harm. But you're not without options—and you're not alone.
What Is the Take It Down Act?
The Take It Down Act, passed by Congress in 2025, is a major step forward in protecting people from the online spread of nonconsensual sexual content. It offers new legal tools for victims of revenge porn and deepfake abuse.
Here's what the law does:
- Makes it a federal crime to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate images or fake explicit images (deepfakes) without consent.
- Requires certain online platforms to remove reported content within 48 hours after a valid takedown request.
- Requires platforms to make reasonable efforts to remove duplicates of the same content across their services.
- Gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority to enforce violations, with fines of up to $53,000 per violation.
- Adds new criminal penalties: up to 2 years in prison for adult victims and 3 years for cases involving minors.
- Requires restitution to victims and allows for seizure of property used in the commission of these acts.
For victims, this means faster content removal, potential criminal accountability for the offender, and a stronger path to civil damages.
What About Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are AI-generated images or videos that make it look like you're in a sexual situation—even when you're not. These fake visuals can be incredibly realistic and just as damaging as actual photos.
Under the Take It Down Act, deepfake sexual images fall under the same protections as real ones if they’re posted without your consent and meant to cause harm.
In Tennessee, victims may also sue under existing civil laws like invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and defamation. Courts are beginning to recognize deepfakes as a serious violation of personal rights.
Is Revenge Porn Illegal in Tennessee?
Yes, revenge porn is illegal in Tennessee. The state enforces what’s known as the Unlawful Exposure Law, which makes it a crime to distribute nude or sexually explicit images of someone without their consent.
This law is codified under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-318 and is aimed specifically at addressing the harms caused by nonconsensual sharing of intimate images—commonly known as revenge porn.
Violators can face criminal charges, including jail time and fines, depending on the severity of the offense and whether the content involves minors. Victims may also be able to pursue civil action under related privacy and emotional distress laws.
If you're a victim, our legal team can help you understand your rights under both Tennessee criminal law and federal protections like the Take It Down Act.
How We Can Help
At Aubrey Givens & Associates, we understand how overwhelming and painful these situations can be. We’ll stand by you, step by step, to help you:
- Take legal action in Tennessee or federal court
- File for damages and restitution
- Work with law enforcement to pursue criminal charges where possible
- Send takedown notices and work with platforms to remove content
- Reclaim your peace of mind and sense of control
We're not just here to give legal advice—we’re here to fight for you.
Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation
If you're not sure whether your situation qualifies under the new laws, reach out to us. We’ll review your case with care and give you clear guidance on what to do next.
Call 615-552-1652 or 615-444-4LAW to speak with someone today, or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation. Your case matters. Your privacy matters. Let us help you take it back.
