House Panel Passes Bill to Criminalize Video Voyeurism

WASHINGTON —  The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill Wednesday that outlawed “upskirt” photos and other forms of video voyeurism made possible by cellphone cameras and other miniaturized technology.

The bill, which passed the Senate last September, would prohibit taking covert pictures in locker rooms, bedrooms and other places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Violators would face fines and up to a year in prison under the Video Voyeurism Prevention Act, which passed the committee by voice vote.

Lawmakers say cellphone cameras and tiny surveillance devices allow peeping toms to secretly take pictures of compromising situations.

Pornographic websites advertise “upskirt” pictures of unsuspecting women on escalators or other public places. Some gyms have banned cellphones and cameras.

The committee also voted to boost prison terms for identity thieves and those who use fraudulent information to set up websites used to commit felonies and trademark abuse.