Md. Code Ann., Com. Law § 14-1324
Redline — January 1, 2019 → current.View current text →
Current — January 1, 2026
As of January 1, 2019
(a) This section applies to the operator of a Web site that charges a fee to remove an arrest or detention photograph or digital image.
(a) This section applies to the operator of a website that charges a fee to remove an arrest or detention photograph or digital image.
(b) An individual may request an operator of a Web site to remove the individual’s photograph or digital image from the operator’s Web site if: (1) The photograph or digital image was taken during the arrest or detention of the individual for a criminal or traffic charge or suspected violation of a criminal or traffic law; and (2) (i) The court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image was expunged under Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article; (ii) The individual has successfully petitioned a court to have the court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image shielded or otherwise removed from public inspection; or (iii) The individual has successfully petitioned a court to vacate the judgment that resulted from the arrest or detention.
(b) An individual may request an operator of a website to remove the individual’s photograph or digital image from the operator’s website if: (1) The photograph or digital image was taken during the arrest or detention of the individual for a criminal or traffic charge or suspected violation of a criminal or traffic law; and (2) (i) The court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image was expunged under Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article; (ii) The individual has successfully petitioned a court to have the court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image shielded or otherwise removed from public inspection; or (iii) The individual has successfully petitioned a court to vacate the judgment that resulted from the arrest or detention.
(c) An individual shall make a request for removal of a photograph or digital image under subsection (b) of this section by: (1) Written request sent by certified mail; or (2) Electronic mail using an electronic postmark if the operator makes available a secure electronic mail connection on the operator’s Web site.
(c) An individual shall make a request for removal of a photograph or digital image under subsection (b) of this section by: (1) Written request sent by certified mail; or (2) Electronic mail using an electronic postmark if the operator makes available a secure electronic mail connection on the operator’s website.
(d) An operator of a Web site shall remove the photograph or digital image of an individual within 30 days after receiving a request under subsection (c) of this section.
(d) An operator of a website shall remove the photograph or digital image of an individual within 30 days after receiving a request under subsection (c) of this section.
(e) Within 5 business days after removing a photograph or digital image of an individual, the operator of a Web site shall send a written confirmation of the removal to the individual.
(e) Within 5 business days after removing a photograph or digital image of an individual, the operator of a website shall send a written confirmation of the removal to the individual.
(f) An operator of a Web site may not charge an individual for the removal of the individual’s photograph or digital image under this section.
(f) An operator of a website may not charge an individual for the removal of the individual’s photograph or digital image under this section.
(g) A violation of this section is:
(1) An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2) Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
(g) A violation of this section is:
(1) An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2) Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
Official source: Maryland General Assembly. Reproduced from public-domain Maryland statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.