# Understanding the SHIELD Act of 2022

This bill makes it a federal crime to share intimate photos or videos of someone without their permission. Specifically, it targets the practice sometimes called "revenge porn"—when someone distributes naked or sexually explicit images of another person with the intent to harm them or knowing the person never agreed to share those images publicly.

The law applies when someone knowingly distributes these intimate images through the internet or other means of communication across state or national lines. The person sharing the images must either know the other person didn't consent, or be recklessly indifferent to whether they consented. The law also requires that the person being depicted had a reasonable expectation that the image would stay private. If someone is convicted, they face up to two years in prison for each victim whose image was shared, plus potential fines. The bill also makes it illegal to threaten to share such images.

The law includes several important exceptions to protect people who need to share these images for legitimate reasons. Law enforcement can still use such images in investigations, and people can share them when reporting crimes or during legal proceedings. The bill also protects internet service providers and social media platforms from being held responsible for content posted by users, unless the platform is intentionally promoting or predominantly distributing this type of illegal content.

This legislation essentially gives federal prosecutors a tool to punish people who distribute intimate images without consent, addressing a form of harassment and exploitation that has become increasingly common with smartphones and social media. It recognizes that sharing someone's private intimate images without permission can cause serious emotional harm and violates their privacy and dignity.

SHIELD Act of 2022

Speier, Jackie

Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2022 or the SHIELD Act of 2022 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&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to two years for each individual victim depicted, or both.