Revenge porn is a term used when someone posts identifiable nude pictures or video of a former lover on the internet to embarrass or damage them.
In some cases the actions have resulted in job loss or worse for those who are targeted.
Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law in California but it doesn't have a lot of teeth.
Senator Anthony Cannella was thrilled with the new law saying "until now, there was no tool for law enforcement to protect victims. Too many have had their lives upended because of an action of another that they trusted."
If convicted of the misdemeanor for “illegally distributing private images with the intent to harass or annoy” a person could be hit with a maximum of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Cannella went on to point out the emergence of social media and proliferation of electronic communication and contact has made the practice much more common and powerful.
The ACLU is opposing the bill saying it could restrict free speech rights.
Other states including Florida and Missouri have considered and rejected or watered down similar laws.