Revenge pornography—also known as revenge porn or nonconsensual pornography—is a criminal offense in most states and is committed when a person publishes private nude, pornographic, or explicit photos, videos, or images of another person’s body or sexual activity without that person’s consent.

The publication of revenge porn may occur in many forms, including (1) an in-person showing of printed or electronic photographs or video to another person or persons; (2) sending images or videos by electronic message such as text, chat, or e-mail; (3) publishing images or videos on social media; or (4) publishing images or videos on a website.

Revenge pornography laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code. These statutes are sometimes titled with descriptive names such as The Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material. Revenge pornography offenses may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or as felony offenses—depending on the state's laws—and often include potential jail or prison time.

The publication of revenge pornography may also create civil liability for money damages in a lawsuit under state law, and some states have enacted specific laws providing for such civil liability, in addition to any criminal prosecution.

In Alaska, revenge pornography is addressed under Alaska Statutes § 11.61.120 and § 11.61.123. It is illegal to distribute or publish an image of another person who is nude or engaged in sexual conduct without that person's consent, with the intent to harm, harass, intimidate, threaten, or coerce the person depicted. This conduct is classified as a class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. If the offender has prior convictions or if the victim is a minor, the offense can be elevated to a class A misdemeanor or a felony, with correspondingly higher penalties. Additionally, Alaska allows victims of revenge pornography to file a civil lawsuit to seek monetary damages from the perpetrator. This provides a legal avenue for victims to recover compensation for the harm they have suffered due to the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images.