Bill > HR1941

This bill establishes legal protections against the non-consensual creation and distribution of digitally manipulated intimate images, commonly known as "deepfakes." The bill creates both civil and criminal mechanisms to address this issue, defining an "intimate digital depiction" as a digitally manipulated image depicting uncovered genitals, sexual fluids, or sexually explicit conduct of an identifiable individual. Victims can bring civil lawsuits and potentially recover damages including monetary compensation for emotional distress, with damages up to $150,000, punitive damages, and attorney's fees. Criminally, individuals who intentionally disclose such images with the intent to harass or cause harm can face fines and imprisonment of up to 2 years, or up to 10 years if the depiction could potentially affect government proceedings or facilitate violence. The bill includes important exceptions for disclosures made in good faith, such as law enforcement investigations or legal proceedings, and provides protections for internet service providers. Importantly, the bill specifies that prior consent to image creation does not imply consent to disclosure, and requires any consent to be in a written, plain-language agreement that specifically describes the image. The legislation aims to protect individuals from the potential reputational, emotional, and economic harm caused by non-consensual intimate digital depictions.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1941/all-info