Tennessee's New Law Regarding "distressing images"

[DutchgirlRN]

Congratulations Tennessee! Governor Bill Haslam has put your state in the national spotlight and, for once, it has nothing to do with Bonnaroo or how bad the Titans are.

The republican executive of the state signed a ban on "distressing images" into law last week. Anyone who sends or posts an image online that they "reasonably should know" would "cause emotional distress" could face several months in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. The best part? Anyone who stumbles across the image is a viable "victim" under the law and the government doesn't even have to prove any harmful intent.

So, Tennessee residents who aren't cautious enough using Google image search could get a few people in trouble. Another, and perhaps more perturbing, part of the same bill also seeks to circumvent restrictions on obtaining private messages and information from social networking sites without a search warrant.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/t...-facebook-inb/

[Sabby]

I think this may be taking things a wee bit too far!!!!

[DutchgirlRN]

I'm just surprised that it's Tennessee, of all places, that is taking the lead in this pursuit. I feel sure there will be those who will try to take advantage of the law just for retribution.