Revenge porn has been a hot topic in legislatures and courtrooms both across the US and abroad. Now, the UK is poised to pass a new law that will make the sharing of images without one’s consent a specific criminal offense.

By changing the Criminal Justice & Courts Bill (currently making its way through Parliament), the UK will make the distribution of revenge porn a crime punishable by up to two years in prison. Previously, people had been brought up on charges relating to revenge porn, but had been prosecuted under various other laws. This is the first time there will be a specific criminal offense dealing with revenge porn.

Here’s what the Ministry of Justice has to say:

The change will cover the sharing of images both online and offline. It will mean that images posted to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter will be caught by the offence, as well as those that are shared via text message. Images shared via email, on a website or the distribution of physical copies will also be caught. Those convicted will face a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

“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,” said Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

In the US, revenge porn laws vary from state to state. There has been talk of a revenge porn barn at the federal level, but it has yet to materialize.