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 Connecticut, revenge pornography is addressed under Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-189c, which criminalizes the act of 'Unlawful Dissemination of an Intimate Image.' Under this statute, a person is guilty of this offense if they electronically disseminate a photograph, film, or video which depicts another person's genitalia, buttocks, or female breast, and the depicted person has not consented to the dissemination. The law applies when the depicted person had a reasonable expectation that the image would remain private. The offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. Additionally, Connecticut law allows victims of revenge pornography to pursue civil action for damages against the perpetrator. This means that beyond criminal penalties, individuals who engage in revenge pornography may also face lawsuits and be required to pay monetary compensation to the victims.