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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
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
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 516
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 516
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 516
Comments

Juniper Wallace
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
1 year ago
this bill bad. hurt me. not like. others hurt too.

