Legislation banning “revenge porn” will come into effect tomorrow, according to a notice filed in the Official Gazette.

The Criminal Code Amendment (Non-consensual Sharing of intimate Images) Act 2021 was approved by the House of Assembly and the Senate earlier this year with broad support.

The new law will make it a crime to observe, record or distribute images or video of a person carrying out private or intimate acts or showing intimate parts of their body without their knowledge or permission.

The legislation will also make it an offence to threaten distribute intimate images, even if such images do not exist.

Offenders could face a prison term of up to five years.

Elaine Butterfield, the executive director of the Women's Resource Centre, said the law would be “a major step forward for all of those affected” and Social Justice Bermuda said it would allow those victimised a way to seek justice.

Laurie Shiell, the executive director of the Centre Against Abuse, said that the law would be a step in the right direction – although she suggested stronger penalties may be needed.