SHIELD Act of 2025

Protection of Privacy for Adults: The bill targets the distribution of intimate images that were obtained under circumstances where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy and were not voluntarily exposed in public (Section 2(b)(1)). This provides a safeguard against the distribution of images that cause psychological, financial, or reputational harm.

Protection of Minors: It is unlawful to distribute depictions of nude minors with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse sexual desire (Section 2(b)(2)). This offers specific legal protections for individuals under the age of 18.

Strict Penalties for Offenders: The bill establishes potential prison sentences of up to two years for distributing intimate visual depictions of adults and up to three years for depictions of nude minors (Section 2(c)(1)).

Financial Accountability: The law allows for the forfeiture of any material distributed in violation of the act, as well as any gross proceeds or property derived from the violation (Section 2(c)(2)). Additionally, restitution may be available to victims (Section 2(c)(3)).

Protection Against Coercion: The bill makes it a punishable offense to intentionally threaten to distribute these images for the purposes of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or creating mental distress (Section 2(e)).