Rhode Island
Rhode Island Voyeurism and Hidden Camera Laws: Penalties and 2025 Deepfake Update (2026)
Rhode Island criminalizes video voyeurism under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2, which prohibits recording a person in a state of undress or engaged in sexual activity in any location where they hold a reasonable expectation of privacy. A conviction carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
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 |
| Second or subsequent base offense | Felony | 3 years prison, $3,000 fine |
| Sextortion (§ 11-64-3(e)) | Felony | 5 years prison, $5,000 fine |
| Removal-extortion (§ 11-64-3(f)) | 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is voyeurism a crime in Rhode Island?
Yes. Video voyeurism under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2 is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
What is the penalty for sharing intimate images without consent in Rhode Island?
A first offense is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year and $1,000). A base second or subsequent offense is a felony (up to 3 years and $3,000 under § 11-64-3(d)). Sextortion and removal-extortion each carry up to 5 years and $5,000 under § 11-64-3(e) and (f). The 2025 amendment (H 5046 / S 0136, signed July 2, 2025) also covers AI-generated deepfakes.
Does Rhode Island's law cover AI-generated deepfake intimate images?
Yes. The 2025 update to § 11-64-3 criminalizes creating or sharing synthetic intimate images of real people without consent.
Can my landlord put hidden cameras inside my apartment in Rhode Island?
No. Tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Hidden cameras in rental units violate the voyeurism statute.
What should I do if I find a hidden camera in Rhode Island?
Document it, do not remove it, contact police, and consult the Rhode Island Attorney General's office or an attorney about civil remedies.
Sources and References
- R.I. § 11-64-2(law.justia.com)
- RI Attorney General(riag.ri.gov).gov
- RI General Assembly(rilegislature.gov).gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-2 - Video Voyeurism(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-3 - Unauthorized Dissemination(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
- Rhode Island Legal Services(rils.org)