SHIELD Act of 2022

Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2022 or the SHIELD Act of 2022

This bill establishes a new criminal offense related to the distribution of intimate visual depictions.

Specifically, it makes it a crime to knowingly distribute (or intentionally threaten to distribute) an intimate visual depiction of an individual (1) with knowledge of or reckless disregard for the individual's lack of consent and reasonable expectation of privacy, and (2) without a reasonable belief that distributing the depiction touches a matter of public concern.

A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years for each individual victim depicted, or both.

The SHIELD Act of 2022, also known as Bill 117 HR 6998, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at strengthening election security and protecting against foreign interference in US elections. The bill focuses on enhancing cybersecurity measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Key provisions of the SHIELD Act include requiring political campaigns to report any offers of assistance from foreign governments to the FBI and the Federal Election Commission. It also mandates that online platforms disclose the sources of funding for political advertisements and take steps to prevent foreign entities from purchasing ads to influence US elections.

Additionally, the bill requires states to use paper ballots and conduct risk-limiting audits to ensure the accuracy of election results. It also provides funding for states to upgrade their election infrastructure and improve cybersecurity measures. Overall, the SHIELD Act of 2022 aims to address vulnerabilities in the US election system and protect against foreign interference, ultimately safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring the integrity of elections.