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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette today were joined by members of the General Assembly for a ceremonial bill signing of H. 3058, which establishes new criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, commonly known as revenge ****. The bill also modernizes state law by addressing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-generated technology to create false or manipulated intimate images.
"As technology advances, so too must our laws to keep pace with emerging threats and protect personal privacy," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "This legislation sends a clear message that those who harm others by sharing explicit images without their consent will be held fully accountable."
The new law creates a felony offense for individuals who share intimate images with the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the person depicted. A first offense carries a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison. A second or subsequent offense carries a maximum fine of $10,000 and a prison sentence of one to ten years.
"It’s taken a lot of work and the help of our friends in the Senate to get this passed," said Representative Chris Wooten. "This is a great day in South Carolina, as we are now not the only state that does not have a revenge **** statute. I am proud to have helped mend this together."
The law also establishes penalties for individuals who share intimate images without the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the person depicted. A first offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to one year in prison. A second or subsequent offense is classified as a felony, punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison.
The legislation defines “digitally forged intimate images” to include images that are created by AI or other computer or machine-generated means. It also clarifies that a person’s consent to create or privately share an image does not imply consent for the wider distribution of the image.
The General Assembly passed the bill unanimously. Governor McMaster formally signed it into law on May 12, 2025. It took effect immediately.