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 Missouri, revenge pornography is addressed under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 573.110, known as 'Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images.' This statute makes it a criminal offense to knowingly share an image of another person who is identifiable and is either nude or engaged in sexual activity, without the consent of the person depicted, when there is an expectation of privacy. The offense is classified as a Class D felony, which can result in significant penalties including potential prison time. Additionally, Missouri law allows victims of revenge pornography to bring a civil action against the perpetrator for damages. This means that individuals who engage in revenge pornography in Missouri may face both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits, with the possibility of monetary compensation being awarded to the victim.