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A bill to provide that it is unlawful to knowingly distribute private intimate visual depictions with reckless disregard for the individual's lack of consent to the distribution, and for other purposes.

2/12/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 516

Bill 119 s 516, also known as the "Intimate Privacy Protection Act," aims to make it illegal to knowingly distribute private intimate visual depictions without the individual's consent. This bill specifically targets the distribution of intimate images or videos without the subject's permission, with the intent to protect individuals from having their privacy violated in this way.

The bill states that it is unlawful to distribute these private intimate visual depictions with reckless disregard for the individual's lack of consent. This means that individuals who knowingly share these types of images or videos without permission could face legal consequences under this proposed legislation.

The main goal of this bill is to prevent the unauthorized sharing of intimate images or videos, which can have serious and long-lasting consequences for the individuals involved. By making this type of behavior illegal, the bill aims to protect individuals' privacy and prevent them from being victimized in this way. Overall, Bill 119 s 516 seeks to address the issue of non-consensual distribution of private intimate visual depictions and provide legal protections for individuals who may be at risk of having their privacy violated in this manner.

Congressional Summary of S 516

Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2025 or the SHIELD Act of 2023 [sic]

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.

Current Status of Bill S 516

Bill S 516 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 11, 2025. Bill S 516 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 11, 2025.  Bill S 516's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of February 11, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 516

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 516

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 516

A bill to provide that it is unlawful to knowingly distribute private intimate visual depictions with reckless disregard for the individual's lack of consent to the distribution, and for other purposes.
A bill to provide that it is unlawful to knowingly distribute private intimate visual depictions with reckless disregard for the individual's lack of consent to the distribution, and for other purposes.

Comments

Juniper Wallace profile image

Juniper Wallace

553

1 year ago

I don't like this bill. It's not fair that they can make it illegal to share private pics without permission. Who benefits from this?

Kolton Norton profile image

Kolton Norton

663

1 year ago

this bill bad. hurt me. not like. others hurt too.