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Bill > S2111


US S2111

US S2111
SHIELD Act of 2019 Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2019


summary

Introduced
07/15/2019
In Committee
07/15/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, 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. 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 five years, or both.

AI Summary

This bill, the Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2019 or the SHIELD Act of 2019, 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 with knowledge of or reckless disregard for the individual's lack of consent and reasonable expectation of privacy, and without a reasonable belief that the distribution touches on a matter of public concern. Violators would be subject to criminal penalties, including a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. The bill provides exceptions for lawful law enforcement, reporting of unlawful activity, legal proceedings, and communications service providers that do not intentionally solicit or knowingly and predominantly distribute such content.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (on 07/15/2019)

bill text


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