Rhode Island Voyeurism and Hidden Camera Laws: Penalties and 2025 Deepfake Update (2026)
Rhode Island treats voyeurism and hidden camera offenses as serious crimes with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. The state's video voyeurism statute under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2 prohibits recording in private settings without consent. In 2025, Rhode Island expanded its unauthorized dissemination law to cover AI-generated deepfake intimate images.
This guide covers what conduct is prohibited, penalties, the 2025 deepfake update, hidden camera scenarios, defenses, and victim remedies.
Video Voyeurism: § 11-64-2
It is a crime to use any device to view or record another person in a state of undress or engaged in sexual activity in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Penalties: up to 3 years prison and/or $5,000 fine.
Unauthorized Dissemination: § 11-64-3
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-3 makes it illegal to distribute intimate images without consent.
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First offense | Misdemeanor | 1 year prison, $1,000 fine |
| Subsequent offenses | Felony | 5 years prison, $5,000 fine |
2025 AI Deepfake Update
Rhode Island expanded § 11-64-3 in July 2025 to cover AI-generated and digitally altered intimate content. Creating or sharing synthetic intimate images of a real person without consent is now criminalized under the same penalty framework.
Hidden Camera Scenarios
Hidden cameras in rental properties, workplaces (bathrooms/locker rooms), and hotels violate the voyeurism statute. If you discover a hidden camera: document it, do not remove it, contact police, and consult the Rhode Island Attorney General.
Civil Remedies
Victims can pursue invasion of privacy claims, intentional infliction of emotional distress, injunctive relief, and restraining orders. The Rhode Island Legal Services provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals.
More Rhode Island Recording Laws
Audio Recording | Video Recording | Voyeurism & Hidden Cameras | Workplace Recording | Recording Police | Phone Call Recording | Security Cameras | Recording in Public | Landlord-Tenant | Dashcam Laws | Schools | Medical Recording
Sources and References
- R.I. § 11-64-2(law.justia.com)
- RI Attorney General(riag.ri.gov).gov
- RI General Assembly(rilegislature.gov).gov