Somewhere within arms length, there is likely a very powerful device that could easily fit in your pocket.

If you keep up with digital advancements, this device probably takes high quality photos and videos. You can likely access the internet on it. When you’re lost, there’s a good chance it can help you find your way, and when you’re curious about just about any subject there is, you can probably find the answer in just a few moments.

Unfortunately, for all the assets the device offers, there are still plenty of damages it can do, too.

In the wrong hands, a cell phone can wreck a life, and unfortunately, that practice isn’t all that uncommon anymore.

The issue of spiteful ex-lovers and hateful bullies sharing harmful messages is certainly not a new one, but with the convenience smart phones offer, the issue has been amplified tremendously, enough so that the state Senate recently passed a bill protecting the victims of revenge pornography.

The bill prohibits people from sharing graphic images and videos without the consent of all parties represented in the images. If ratified, it will not matter if victims consent to being photographed; if they do not give permission for the videos/images to be published, the person distributing the images can face up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine or both.

We find it reprehensible that the issue has grown so much that our state officials have had to spend time seeking a solution, but we’re glad they have taken the issue seriously and taken steps to solve it.

It seems that as technology advances, the potential damage grows as well. More and more frequently, we see people abusing social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Kik and others to tantalize each other. These issues often incite violence and quite regularly change peoples’ lives forever.

It is so important that our elected officials continue to keep up with the times and the changes in technology in order to provide law enforcement and the judicial system the tools necessary to prevent acts like these from happening in the future.

We thank our local officials for taking the time to address this issue, and encourage them to stay on top of issues like these in order to keep their constituents safe.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.