CVU Supports SB 1217
Restoring Control and Privacy: Why SB 1217 Matters
The harm caused by exploitation does not end when an image is shared. For many victims, it continues every time that image resurfaces online.
Senate Bill 1217 addresses this ongoing reality by giving victims a practical way to regain control.
What SB 1217 Does
SB 1217 creates the Nonconsensual Intimate Image (NCII) Clearinghouse within the California Department of Justice.
This clearinghouse provides a secure, centralized system where victims can submit requests to have nonconsensual intimate images removed from online platforms.
Once verified, platforms are required to:
Remove matching content within 48 hours
Take steps to prevent the content from being reuploaded
This shifts the process from fragmented, platform-by-platform requests to a coordinated and enforceable system.
The Problem Victims Face Today
Victims of online exploitation often carry the burden of trying to remove harmful content themselves.
That process can involve:
Repeatedly contacting multiple websites
Navigating inconsistent or unclear reporting systems
Facing delays or inaction from platforms
Watching content reappear even after it has been removed
This cycle can feel endless and overwhelming.
For victims of trafficking and exploitation, the impact is even more severe. The continued circulation of these images can lead to harassment, coercion, and long-term emotional and financial harm.
Shifting the Burden Where It Belongs
SB 1217 fundamentally changes who is responsible for addressing this issue.
Instead of placing the burden on victims, the bill:
Creates a centralized verification process
Requires timely action from online platforms
Establishes a system to prevent repeat harm through reuploads
This is not just about removal. It is about stopping the cycle.
Why This Matters
Nonconsensual intimate images are often used as tools of control, intimidation, and exploitation.
Without an effective way to remove and block this content, victims can remain exposed long after the initial harm.
SB 1217 helps address:
Ongoing harassment and blackmail
Loss of privacy and personal safety
Barriers to employment and financial stability
Long-term emotional and psychological impact
By creating a coordinated response, the bill offers victims a path forward.
A More Accountable System
For more than 40 years, Crime Victims United has advocated for systems that recognize the realities victims face.
In today’s world, that includes digital spaces.
SB 1217 reflects a necessary shift toward accountability for online platforms and meaningful support for victims navigating online exploitation.
Support SB 1217
Victims should not have to fight an endless battle to reclaim their privacy.
SB 1217 provides a clear, enforceable solution that prioritizes victim safety and dignity. Crime Victims United is proud to support this measure and urges an AYE vote.