N.Y. Bill Would Outlaw Airdrops of Unsolicited Explicit Images

N.Y. Bill Would Outlaw Airdrops of Unsolicited Explicit Images

NEW YORK — New York’s City Council is weighing a measure to make it illegal to take part in “cyber flashing” using technology like Apple’s AirDrop to offer up unsolicited explicit images to recipients.

The new piece of legislation would add language to the city code that would make it “unlawful for a person, with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person, to send by electronic device an unsolicited intimate image.”

It is already a misdemeanor in New York state to harass someone by phone, mail or other forms of written communication. But the statute doesn’t address the issue of visual images.

With New York City’s measure, cyber flashers could be punished with $1,000 fines and up to a year in jail for offenses.

AirDrop is specific to iPhones and other Apple products. It uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to communicate over a short range to other devices, like other iPhones. Some Android-enabled devices have access to a similar feature called AirDroid.

With AirDrop, users can send images anonymously to others if the recipient’s phone is set to allow drops to “everyone” and if it is within 30 feet of the other device.

The only method to block anonymous images is to set the AirDrop feature only for use between contacts (which is the default setting from Apple) or to turn it off completely. AirDrop only identifies nearby phones by their nicknames.

One of the first reports of cyber flashing was in London in 2015, when a female commuter said she had received lewd photos via AirDrop. Since then, people in New York and other cities have posted comments on Reddit and Twitter about how explicit pictures have showed up on their devices — oftentimes while on crowded subways.

New York City's legislation, which was introduced to City Council last week, was referred to its Committee on Public Safety. If passed by City Council and signed into law by the mayor, the measure would go into effect within 60 days.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

MojoHost Releases Statement on the Future of Adult

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Fleshy to Launch Interactive Cam Site 'Eromote'

Male pleasure brand Fleshy has announced that it will launch an interactive, bidirectional cam site next month called Eromote.

XBIZ LA Show Introduces New 'Crib Crawl' Feature

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of its flagship conference, the XBIZ Show, will debut a brand-new feature: Crib Crawl, offering attendees the chance to meet and greet representatives from leading brands and organizations in dedicated suites at the host venue.

Show More