Law bans Internet images that cause 'emotional distress' (Updated to Include Bill)

Looking into this a bit more but this is insane if this isn't being exaggerated. A new Tennessee law bans internet images that pretty much offend or upset someone:

There goes the Internet.

A new Tennessee law makes it a crime to post an image online that might "frighten, intimidate or cause emotional distress" to someone.

As reported by the technology website Ars Technica, the state already has a law against making phone calls, sending e-mails or otherwise communicating with someone in a way that would cause emotional distress. This latest ban, signed by Gov. Bill Haslam last week, is an update to that law.

www.torontosun.com...

(More info at link)

Fortunately, it is only contained to Tennessee and it is accused of being unconstitutional. Not sure it doesn't catch on at other states.

I can't see how this would be legal due to our rights of free speech. There is no right to not be offended but there is a right of expression.



Update: Here is a copy of the bill itself:

state.tn.us...

what would they consider a "emotionally distressing picture" here? hell...I could post a picture of just about anything and have somebody say it causes them "emotional distress"...what a stupid law...I wouldn't expect it to last long...and exactly how would they enforce this?

Track your IP and slap a fine on you?

S&F for you for bringing this to attention.

How could that even be enforced? Your talking about crossing state lines, international boundaries, etc.

And who decides if its inappropriate? Like who is in charge of such decisions? This is just another case of the government wanting to be our baby sitters. Very sad times we live in.

I guess anything porn related, or liveleaks or bestgore or ANYTHING really is going to disappear.

reply to post by AshleyD


Wow people are way too sensitive and it really bothers me.

So what if pictures of a clown causes emotional distress for someone? Should all clown pics be taken down?

I know I am terrified of spiders should I complain and say the pics people link to cause me emotional stress? No, I get over it and realize it's a picture and I don't have to look at it.


What is wrong with society? Everyone is offended way too easily, it's like the majority of the population doesn't have a back bone!

Tennessee knows that the Internet in Tennessee is the same in the rest of the world, right?

TN cops going to show up in Montana for an offensive image a TN resident saw?

Reminds me of some of the seniors who think the Internet on each computer is different.

My email log in didnt take on this Internet. Let me try your Internet.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

reply to post by mblahnikluver


The alien image in your sig offends me... I'm reporting you. Where's my $2500?!?!?

BS! That is utterly ridiculous!
If I am afraid of ants, a picture of ants will upset me.

Who is going to draw the line at what upsets who?

I wonder if they are going to let creditors call people anymore, because all they do is upset people!

Guess the news and political shows are going to be made illegal too. That may be a good thing though.

Utterly bonkers law that will never work.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

Additional sources. This is so crazy it is unbelievable so I am just wanting to confirm it a bit.

Tennessee now bans people from posting frightening images online, in a controversial move tightening the governmental screws on Internet behavior.

www.mobiledia.com...

Tennessee internet users will have to watch what they post online, after the state passed a new law making offensive internet pictures illegal.

tvnz.co.nz...

The ban on distressing images, which was signed by Gov. Bill Haslam last week, is also an update to existing law.

pulse.infoneer.net...

Etc., etc. Lots more found on Google search.

Seems to be mostly on alternative and local news sites so far- not in the MSM.

Sounds like something out of the Onion but so far it seems legit. Really bizarre.

The article says nothing about television, so I guess there not finished censoring everything. This would mean Vampires, anything with a gun, etc. Why don't they just shut off the electricity in Tennessee...

This sounds ridiculous. How on earth would they implement this and what would the guidelines be? Will there be specific internet police now? Checking IP addresses of the poster and if they are in Tennessee then what? Do they get fined? Jailed? The internet seems to be the last stronghold of free speech, and things like this are slowly but surely tearing it down.

So invasive. So unnecessary.

If the internet distresses you, go to the library. If your children are your worry, there are ways to filter things.

*sigh* It somehow reminds me of the parents in my town suing the city for the playground causing a broken leg, so the city took down all the 'dangerous' jungle gyms and replaced them with safe plastic crap.

reply to post by AshleyD


It seems like they really love to sugar coat everything.
There should be a 'emotionally distressing week' where...
Well, I'm sure you get the idea.

Ill be okay with this only if it includes all references and pictures of Justin Beiber.. and/or lady Gaga and that thing on her face that looks like a nose until you see a profile pic. Those things are really destabilizing my peaceful frame of mind.. and causing me emotional distress.

Absolute rubbish, i'm terrified of the neighbour next door. He's a 70 year old man that wears no shirt in the summer weather, he offends my eyes. Do I get a reward for saying it ?

My aunt told me to man up and stop being such a pu$$y., if you don't you won't get anywhere but a grave. Some of these people need to man up

Elmo frightens the crap outta me!!!

Have you heard the evil demonic laughter he emits when tickled?!?!

It's about time someone had the sense to pass a law banning images of that heinous monstrosity from being posted online! Think of all the poor children being seduced by his maddness!

Who the hell is going to be the judge of the image in question? So it comes down to this?: Wanna get someone in trouble, claim their Facebook RL picture as offensive!
Really, when will this madness end...

reply to post by AshleyD




Now you of all people should know better than not expect some humor I hope

A new Tennessee law bans internet images that pretty much offend or upset someone:

Do they not have collection agencies in TN? Wouldn't this law make that illegal? Are you allowed to publicaly break wind there? This is a joke but its not funny.

Trying to find some more info. A couple of questions I have:

1). How will they enforce this. Not in reference to fines and jail time that they already explain. But do they force sites to remove images? Does the government block them? Do they have some sort of 'blur' censor they use?

2). Who is the judge to determine something is offensive? Is it just a case of someone can submit a complaint claiming offense? Can some little cry baby just report anything they deem offensive?

3). How is this remotely constitutional?

4). Will it go further than Tennessee or will the supreme court nix this nonsense?

reply to post by The Djin


Haha. Yes, but in turn, I can report your post to them and claim it is causing me 'emotional distress.'



I see severe potential for this abuse.