Abusive partners are using intimate images of their spouses as blackmail, a Labor MP says, as federal parliament moves closer to approving jail time for revenge porn.
Labor's Clare O'Neil shared the story of a woman on Thursday whose husband posted images of her online and threatened to send them to her family.
"It's used to control the behaviour of women in abusive relationships," she told the House of Representatives.
People who share intimate images of someone without their consent could face up to seven years in prison under legislation now set for Senate approval after passing the lower house on Thursday.
Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek spoke of a woman who had strangers turn up to her house for four years after a photoshopped image of her was shared online with her name and address.
Police were unable to do anything, she said.
Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield said the legislation sends a strong message that sharing intimate images without consent is not acceptable.
Under the laws, removal warnings could be sent to social media companies and website hosts by the eSafety Commissioner, with fines of more than $500,000 if images are not taken down within 48 hours.
Individuals could also face fines of up to $105,000 under the proposed changes.
Liberal MP Nola Marino warned people to not take photos in the first place, saying many technology companies were based overseas, making it difficult for removal warnings.
Nationals MP Andrew Gee conceded that in the age of technology, taking intimate images was "what people do" and it was up to the government to minimise harm.
The amendments replace those made by Centre Alliance in the Senate, to now include new criminal provisions to allow the legislation to better fit with existing state and territory laws.
