The distribution of private sexual images ‘with the intent to cause them distress’ will be made an offence under the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.
The new legislation comes after revelations that children as young as 11 are being targeted in the appalling crime, though celebrities such as Rihanna and Lauren Goodger have also brought to issue to the public’s attention.
Justice secretary Chris Garyling told The Mirror: “The fact that there are individuals who are cruelly distributing intimate pictures of their former partners without their consent is almost beyond belief.
"We want those who fall victim to this type of disgusting behaviour to know that we are on their side and will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice."
"That is why we will change the law and make it absolutely clear to those who act in this way that they could face prison."
The new legislation will cover ‘revenge porn’ both online (via Facebook and Twitter) as well as offline via text message.
It will see people being imprisoned for up to 2 years for sharing pictures of people ‘engaging in sexual activity’ or with their genitals exposed.
Adam Pemberton from Victim Support said: "This type of behaviour can be extremely distressing for its victims causing them significant psychological harm.
"We are pleased that people who commit these gross violations of privacy will now face prosecution and victims of revenge porn know they have the full backing of the law."
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