{
  "batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_anchor",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Statutory code index",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Michigan's official statutory code is the Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 750 (Michigan Penal Code), accessible at the Michigan Legislature website",
      "body": "Michigan's official statutory code is the Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 750 (Michigan Penal Code), accessible at the Michigan Legislature website\n\nWhat Michigan Legislature actually says:\n\n“Chapter 750\nMICHIGAN PENAL CODE”\n\nNote: Anchor record naming the code and the URL of its index, quoting the index page's own heading.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/ChapterIndex",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-20",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Michigan Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "Chapter 750\nMICHIGAN PENAL CODE",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 750 - Penal Code",
      "topic": "statutory code index",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-mi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-mi"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_eavesdrop",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Michigan Compiled Laws 750.539c - Eavesdropping upon private conversation: recording and interception statute",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Michigan is an ALL-PARTY CONSENT state for audio recording: MCL 750.539c requires the consent of all parties to a private conversation before eavesdropping with any device, and punishes aiding or procuring such eavesdropping as a felony",
      "body": "Michigan is an ALL-PARTY CONSENT state for audio recording: MCL 750.539c requires the consent of all parties to a private conversation before eavesdropping with any device, and punishes aiding or procuring such eavesdropping as a felony\n\nWhat Michigan Legislature actually says:\n\n“Any person who is present or who is not present during a private conversation and who wilfully uses any device to eavesdrop upon the conversation without the consent of all parties thereto, or who knowingly aids, employs or procures another person to do the same in violation of this section, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state prison for not more than 2 years or by a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.”\n\nNote: Michigan is ALL-PARTY consent. Operative words: 'without the consent of all parties thereto'. Penalty: felony, up to 2 years or $2,000 fine. A two-person shoot must obtain the other person's consent before recording any audio. This differs from Florida (one-party) and Idaho (one-party).",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-750-539c",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-20",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Michigan Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "Any person who is present or who is not present during a private conversation and who wilfully uses any device to eavesdrop upon the conversation without the consent of all parties thereto, or who knowingly aids, employs or procures another person to do the same in violation of this section, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state prison for not more than 2 years or by a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Michigan Compiled Laws 750.539c - Eavesdropping upon private conversation",
      "topic": "recording and interception statute",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-mi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal",
          "safety.privacy"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-mi"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_voyeurism",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Video voyeurism / unlawful surveillance",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] MCL 750.539j prohibits surveillance, photographing, recording, and distributing visual images of individuals in various states of undress without reasonable expectation of privacy, with penalties for both first and repeat offenses",
      "body": "MCL 750.539j prohibits surveillance, photographing, recording, and distributing visual images of individuals in various states of undress without reasonable expectation of privacy, with penalties for both first and repeat offenses\n\nWhat Michigan Legislature actually says:\n\n“(1) A person shall not do any of the following:\n\n(a) Surveil another individual who is clad only in his or her undergarments, the unclad genitalia or buttocks of another individual, or the unclad breasts of a female individual under circumstances in which the individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.\n\n(b) Photograph, or otherwise capture or record, the visual image of the undergarments worn by another individual, the unclad genitalia or buttocks of another individual, or the unclad breasts of a female individual under circumstances in which the individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.\n\n(c) Distribute, disseminate, or transmit for access by any other person a recording, photograph, or visual image the person knows or has reason to know was obtained in violation of this section.”\n\nNote: Michigan video voyeurism statute covers surveillance, photography, recording, and distribution of undressed individuals. Penalty for violations: first offense up to 2 years/$2k, repeat offenses up to 5 years/$5k. Note this does NOT reach synthetic/altered images (that would be MCL 145e).",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-750-539j",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-20",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Michigan Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "(1) A person shall not do any of the following:\n\n(a) Surveil another individual who is clad only in his or her undergarments, the unclad genitalia or buttocks of another individual, or the unclad breasts of a female individual under circumstances in which the individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.\n\n(b) Photograph, or otherwise capture or record, the visual image of the undergarments worn by another individual, the unclad genitalia or buttocks of another individual, or the unclad breasts of a female individual under circumstances in which the individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.\n\n(c) Distribute, disseminate, or transmit for access by any other person a recording, photograph, or visual image the person knows or has reason to know was obtained in violation of this section.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Michigan Compiled Laws 750.539j - Video voyeurism and surveillance",
      "topic": "video voyeurism / unlawful surveillance",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-mi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal",
          "safety.harm"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-mi"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_nonconsen",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Michigan Compiled Laws 750.145e - Dissemination of sexually explicit visual material of another person: non-consensual intimate image distribution",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] MCL 750.145e prohibits the intentional dissemination of sexually explicit visual material of another person who is identifiable and did not consent, when obtained under circumstances where the person would expect privacy",
      "body": "MCL 750.145e prohibits the intentional dissemination of sexually explicit visual material of another person who is identifiable and did not consent, when obtained under circumstances where the person would expect privacy\n\nWhat Michigan Legislature actually says:\n\n“(1) A person shall not intentionally and with the intent to threaten, coerce, or intimidate disseminate any sexually explicit visual material of another person if all of the following conditions apply:\n\n(a) The other person is not less than 18 years of age.\n(b) The other person is identifiable from the sexually explicit visual material itself or information displayed in connection with the sexually explicit visual material. This subdivision does not apply if the identifying information is supplied by a person other than the disseminator.\n(c) The person obtains the sexually explicit visual material of the other person under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the sexually explicit visual material was to remain private.\n(d) The person knows or reasonably should know that the other person did not consent to the dissemination of the sexually explicit visual material.”\n\nNote: MCL 750.145e applies to real persons only; it does NOT reach synthetic or altered depictions. The penalty is in MCL 750.145f (misdemeanor: up to 93 days or $500 fine; second/subsequent: up to 1 year or $1k fine).",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-750-145e",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-20",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Michigan Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "(1) A person shall not intentionally and with the intent to threaten, coerce, or intimidate disseminate any sexually explicit visual material of another person if all of the following conditions apply:\n\n(a) The other person is not less than 18 years of age.\n(b) The other person is identifiable from the sexually explicit visual material itself or information displayed in connection with the sexually explicit visual material. This subdivision does not apply if the identifying information is supplied by a person other than the disseminator.\n(c) The person obtains the sexually explicit visual material of the other person under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the sexually explicit visual material was to remain private.\n(d) The person knows or reasonably should know that the other person did not consent to the dissemination of the sexually explicit visual material.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Michigan Compiled Laws 750.145e - Dissemination of sexually explicit visual material of another person",
      "topic": "non-consensual intimate image distribution",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-mi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal",
          "safety.harm"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-mi"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_obscenity",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Obscenity definitions + distribution offence",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Michigan's obscenity statute (MCL 750.343) prohibiting distribution of obscene literature was repealed in 1957 and has no current equivalent in the Michigan Compiled Laws",
      "body": "Michigan's obscenity statute (MCL 750.343) prohibiting distribution of obscene literature was repealed in 1957 and has no current equivalent in the Michigan Compiled Laws\n\nWhat Michigan Legislature actually says:\n\n“750.343 Repealed. 1957, Act 265, Imd. Eff. June 13, 1957.\n\nCompiler's Notes: The repealed section prohibited distribution of obscene literature.”\n\nNote: Obscenity definitions were repealed in 1957. The evidence quote shows the repeal notice and compiler's notes. No current obscenity distribution offense exists in Michigan law.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-750-343",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-20",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Michigan Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "750.343 Repealed. 1957, Act 265, Imd. Eff. June 13, 1957.\n\nCompiler's Notes: The repealed section prohibited distribution of obscene literature.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Michigan Compiled Laws 750.343 - Obscenity (Repealed)",
      "topic": "obscenity definitions + distribution offence",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-mi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-mi"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_indecent",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Indecent exposure / public lewdness reaching filmed performance",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] MCL 750.335a prohibits knowingly making any open or indecent exposure of one's person, with exemptions for breastfeeding, and includes penalties ranging from misdemeanor to life imprisonment for sexually delinquent persons",
      "body": "MCL 750.335a prohibits knowingly making any open or indecent exposure of one's person, with exemptions for breastfeeding, and includes penalties ranging from misdemeanor to life imprisonment for sexually delinquent persons\n\nWhat Michigan Legislature actually says:\n\n“(1) A person shall not knowingly make any open or indecent exposure of his or her person or of the person of another.\n\n(2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a crime, as follows:\n\n(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.\n\n(b) If the person was fondling his or her genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if the person is female, breasts, while violating subsection (1), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.\n\n(c) If the person was at the time of the violation a sexually delinquent person, the violation is punishable by imprisonment for an indeterminate term, the minimum of which is 1 day and the maximum of which is life.\n\n(3) A mother's breastfeeding of a child or expressing breast milk does not constitute indecent or obscene conduct under subsection (1) regardless of whether or not her areola or nipple is visible during or incidental to the breastfeeding or expressing of breast milk.”\n\nNote: For a filmed performance, indecent exposure would apply if the performer knowingly makes open or indecent exposure of their person. Breastfeeding/expressing milk is exempt. Two-person shoot must ensure no genital fondling occurs to avoid the 2-year/$2k penalty, and avoid sexually delinquent participants to avoid life imprisonment risk.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-750-335a",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-20",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Michigan Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "(1) A person shall not knowingly make any open or indecent exposure of his or her person or of the person of another.\n\n(2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a crime, as follows:\n\n(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.\n\n(b) If the person was fondling his or her genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if the person is female, breasts, while violating subsection (1), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.\n\n(c) If the person was at the time of the violation a sexually delinquent person, the violation is punishable by imprisonment for an indeterminate term, the minimum of which is 1 day and the maximum of which is life.\n\n(3) A mother's breastfeeding of a child or expressing breast milk does not constitute indecent or obscene conduct under subsection (1) regardless of whether or not her areola or nipple is visible during or incidental to the breastfeeding or expressing of breast milk.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Michigan Compiled Laws 750.335a - Indecent exposure; violation; penalty",
      "topic": "indecent exposure / public lewdness reaching filmed performance",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-mi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-mi"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_216_michigan_video_recording_and_obscenity_statutes_rightofpu",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Right of publicity / commercial appropriation",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Michigan has no specific right of publicity or commercial appropriation statute in the Michigan Compiled Laws; such claims would be addressed through common law or other statutes like MCL 750.145e (non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit visual material)",
      "body": "Michigan has no specific right of publicity or commercial appropriation statute in the Michigan Compiled Laws; such claims would be addressed through common law or other statutes like MCL 750.145e (non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit visual material)\n\nWhat Michigan Legislature actually says:\n\n“Chapter 750\nMICHIGAN PENAL CODE\n[Chapter 751](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/GetObject?objectName=mcl-chap751)MICHIGAN CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE\n[Chapters 752 - 759](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/GetObject?objectName=mcl-chapters-752-759)CRIMES AND OFFENSES\n[Chapters 760 - 777](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/GetObject?objectName=mcl-chapters-760-777)CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE”\n\nNote: Review of Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter Index shows no specific right of publicity statute. Such protections would need to be sought through common law or other existing statutes.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/ChapterIndex",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-20",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Michigan Legislature",
      "evidence_quote": "Chapter 750\nMICHIGAN PENAL CODE\n[Chapter 751](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/GetObject?objectName=mcl-chap751)MICHIGAN CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE\n[Chapters 752 - 759](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/GetObject?objectName=mcl-chapters-752-759)CRIMES AND OFFENSES\n[Chapters 760 - 777](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/GetObject?objectName=mcl-chapters-760-777)CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "216-michigan-video-recording-and-obscenity-statutes",
      "subject": "Michigan Right of Publicity / Commercial Appropriation",
      "topic": "right of publicity / commercial appropriation",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-mi"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-mi"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}