Lilly-Backed Legislation Strengthening Protections Against Digital Harassment and Abuse Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, – Ill. — With online harassment and technology-facilitated abuse presenting new challenges for survivors, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is lauding the signing of legislation to strengthen protective orders and give courts greater authority to address digital harassment, tracking and the misuse of private images.

“Technology should never be used as a weapon to intimidate, threaten or control another person,” Lilly said. “Survivors deserve protections that reflect the realities of today’s world. This legislation gives courts stronger tools to address digital harassment and helps ensure those being targeted have meaningful avenues for protection and accountability.”

Senate Bill 3020 modernizes Illinois’ protective order laws to address evolving forms of harassment, including doxing, electronically generated or digitally altered content, sexual private images and digitally-altered sexual images. The law empowers courts to order individuals subject to protective orders to stop creating, using or distributing harassing material and to require its removal and deletion. It also gives courts the authority to order the removal of electronic tracking devices, monitoring systems and tracking information and establishes procedures for extending plenary protective orders. Additionally, the legislation makes corresponding changes to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, strengthening protections for survivors facing both traditional and technology-facilitated forms of abuse.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, communities and online,” Lilly said. “I am proud to sponsor legislation that strengthens protections for survivors and ensures our laws keep pace with the ways harassment and abuse are evolving.”

The new law reflects Illinois’ continued commitment to strengthening protections for survivors and addressing emerging forms of abuse. By recognizing the ways technology can be used to harass, monitor and control others, Senate Bill 3020 helps ensure survivors have stronger legal protections and that those who misuse technology to cause harm can be held accountable.