1. (a) This section applies only to a sex offender (as defined in IC 11-8-8-4.5 ).

2. (b) A sex offender who knowingly or intentionally violates a:

   1. (1) condition of probation;
   2. (2) condition of parole; or

   3. (3) rule of a community transition program;

      that prohibits the offender from using a social networking web site or an instant messaging or chat room program to communicate with a child less than sixteen (16) years of age commits a sex offender Internet offense, a Class A misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction under this section.

3. (c) It is a defense to a prosecution under subsection (b) that the person reasonably believed that the child was at least sixteen (16) years of age.

As added by P.L.119-2008, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.247-2013, SEC.8; P.L.158-2013, SEC.448; P.L.168-2014, SEC.73; P.L.5-2022, SEC.4.