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SHIELD Act of 2025
3/12/2025, 12:53 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1218
The bill seeks to protect individuals from having their private intimate images shared without their permission, recognizing the serious harm and violation of privacy that can result from such actions. By making it unlawful to distribute these images without consent, the bill aims to hold individuals accountable for their actions and prevent the spread of private intimate images without permission.
In addition to prohibiting the distribution of private intimate visual depictions without consent, the bill also includes provisions for enforcement and penalties for those found in violation of the law. This includes potential fines and imprisonment for individuals who knowingly distribute these images with reckless disregard for the lack of consent. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1218 seeks to protect individuals' privacy and prevent the harmful distribution of private intimate images without consent. By making it illegal to distribute these images without permission, the bill aims to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals and hold those who violate these rights accountable for their actions.
Congressional Summary of HR 1218
Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2025 or the SHIELD Act of 2025
This bill establishes new federal criminal offenses related to the distribution of sexual exploitative content.
First, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly mail or distribute (or intentionally threaten to mail or distribute) an intimate visual depiction of a recognizable adult engaged in sexual conduct. To constitute a crime, certain elements must be met, including that the distribution must be nonconsensual; the depiction is not a matter of public concern; and the distribution must be intended to cause harm or cause harm. A violator is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both; mandatory restitution; and the forfeiture of material involved in the offense, property constituting or derived from the proceeds from the offense, and property used to commit or facilitate the offense.
Second, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly mail or distribute (or intentionally threaten to mail or distribute) a visual depiction of a nude minor with intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade the minor, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. A violator is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to three years, or both; mandatory restitution; and the forfeiture of material involved in the offense, property constituting or derived from the proceeds from the offense, and property used to commit or facilitate the offense.
