Yes. Consent laws often apply differently online, especially when images, videos, or digital communication are involved — and this is an area where many parents are understandably confused.
In Connecticut and across the U.S., the law treats online sexual activity involving images very differently from in-person sexual behavior, particularly when minors are involved.
Here are the key distinctions parents should know:
Images change the legal landscape
When sexual images or videos are created, shared, or possessed, the law focuses on harm prevention, not intent.
A minor cannot legally consent to the creation or sharing of sexual images of themselves.
Even if two minors willingly exchange images, the law may still classify those images as child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
This means something that feels mutual or consensual to teens can still be illegal online.
Consent to send does not mean consent to share
Online, consent is specific and limited.
A child may consent to send a message or image to one person.
That does not give permission for it to be saved, forwarded, posted, or threatened to be shared.
If an image is shared beyond the original context, consent has been violated—even if the image was sent voluntarily.
Pressure, coercion, and fear matter
Just as offline, consent online must be freely given.
If a child feels pressured, rushed, afraid of losing someone, or threatened, consent is not valid. This is especially important in cases of sextortion, grooming, or repeated requests.
Why this feels confusing to kids and teens
Teens often understand consent through a relationship lens (“I trusted them,” “We were dating”). The law, however, looks at risk and permanence. Once an image exists digitally, it can be copied, altered, or shared indefinitely—which is why the standards are stricter online.