When NFL linebacker Jermaine Cunningham appears in a New Jersey courtroom, he'll be the most recognizable defendant yet facing charges over "revenge porn."

The case comes amid a national push to punish jilted lovers and others who distribute racy photos often taken before a relationship fell apart.

The movement to criminalize the action has brought 14 states on board in the past two years, bringing the total to 17. Facebook, Twitter and Reddit recently banned nonconsensual sexual images and videos, and federal legislation criminalizing revenge porn is expected to be introduced this year.

Some detractors caution that the laws could be overly broad and infringe on First Amendment rights.

Cunningham is scheduled to be in court Wednesday. His lawyer predicts he'll be exonerated on all charges.

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