Relates to adding transmission of unwanted lewd or intimate images to the definition of aggravated harassment in the second degree

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Toby Ann Stavisky says this is needed

With the advent of smartphone technology, our ability to communicate with colleagues, loved ones, and the wider world have improved immeasur- ably. Yet every advance in technology throughout history has regrettably been accompanied by a similar advance in the willingness of bad actors to abuse technology for nefarious purposes. For example, to cite just one method currently in vogue, perverts have been using AirDrop technology - a Bluetooth-based method of sharing files on the Apple iPhone device - to force unsuspecting victims to view lewd images without consent. Because of the very nature of the AirDrop system, recipients are forced to view a "preview" of the images in ques- tion before they can reject them. Therefore, the goal of the offender is accomplished without the consent of the recipient, as anyone within AirDrop range of the sender is forced to view the image(s) in question, even if they ultimately choose to reject the file transfer. This is just one example of the misuse of smartphone technology that harasses and disturbs law-abiding New Yorkers attempting to go about their day, including on public transportation in close proximity to strangers. This new legislation provides one measure of protection to the puolic by amending the Penal Law to specifically deter this conduct.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.