Revenge Porn Laws in Indiana: What Victims Need to Know in 2026

What Indiana Law Says

Indiana addresses revenge porn under Indiana Code Section 35-45-4-8, titled "Distribution of an intimate image." The law classifies the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images as a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense.

A Class A misdemeanor in Indiana carries penalties of up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000. The offense becomes a Level 6 felony if the offender has a prior unrelated conviction under the same section. The statute has no separate felony rule for a minor victim or for profit. A Level 6 felony carries 6 months to 2.5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Indiana's tiered approach reflects the varying severity of NCII offenses.

Review the statute at the Indiana General Assembly website.

What Counts as Revenge Porn in Indiana

Indiana's statute defines the offense through these elements. The image must be a photograph, digital image, computer generated image, or video showing sexual intercourse, other sexual conduct, or the uncovered buttocks, genitals, or female breast of an individual. The image was given or sent directly to the offender by the person depicted, was taken by the offender in that person's physical presence, or was created or modified by the offender with software, artificial intelligence, or other digital editing tools. The offender knew or reasonably should have known that the depicted person did not consent to the distribution. The offender distributed the image, which includes posting it on a website or app.

The law covers all distribution methods, including social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, websites, text messages, email, and other electronic or physical means. Indiana's law does not require proof of specific intent to harm, which simplifies prosecution compared to states with an intent-to-harass requirement.

How to Report

Indiana victims should follow these steps:

  1. Document all evidence — Take screenshots, save URLs, preserve account information, and keep records of any communications.
  2. File a police report — Contact your local city police or county sheriff. Major departments like Indianapolis Metropolitan Police have units handling digital crimes. Reference IC 35-45-4-8.
  3. Contact the prosecutor's office — Each county has an elected prosecutor who handles criminal cases. Contact their office if you feel police are not taking appropriate action.
  4. Report to the FBI — File with the FBI IC3 for cases involving internet distribution or interstate activity.
  5. Seek a protective order — Indiana courts can issue no-contact and protective orders that address ongoing distribution of intimate images.

Limitations of Criminal Law

Indiana's criminal law provides a useful framework but has inherent limitations. Misdemeanor cases often receive lower priority than felonies, leading to delays. The identification of anonymous offenders requires digital forensic resources that many smaller Indiana police departments lack.

The criminal process, from investigation through trial, can take months or longer. During this time, intimate images remain available online. Even a conviction does not compel platforms to remove content — courts can order the defendant to take down what they posted, but have no jurisdiction over third-party platforms where copies may have spread.

Jurisdictional challenges arise when offenders are located outside Indiana. While the state can prosecute crimes targeting Indiana residents, obtaining cooperation from out-of-state law enforcement and serving process across state lines adds complexity and delay.

Removing the Content

Content removal should be pursued immediately and independently of the criminal process.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act requires covered platforms to remove qualifying intimate imagery and make reasonable efforts to remove known identical copies within 48 hours of a valid request. The platform and request must meet the law's requirements. See FTC guidance; this is not a universal service turnaround guarantee.

StopNCII.org allows victims to generate digital fingerprints of their images that participating platforms use to block matching content from being uploaded or shared.

IntimaShield files intimate-image removal requests as your authorized representative across multiple sites and files Google and Bing de-index requests for the links in your case. Monitoring of your names and handles is a separate Shield subscription.

See also: Ohio's revenge porn law for a Midwest state comparison.

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