The SHIELD Act creates federal criminal offenses for nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (revenge porn) of adults and distribution of nude images of minors with intent to harm. Adult image distribution requires nonconsensual sharing with intent or actual harm caused. Penalties include up to 2 years prison for adult victims and 3 years for minor victims, plus mandatory restitution and asset forfeiture.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The SHIELD Act creates federal criminal offenses for nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (revenge porn) of adults and distribution of nude images of minors with intent to harm. Adult image distribution requires nonconsensual sharing with intent or actual harm caused. Penalties include up to 2 years prison for adult victims and 3 years for minor victims, plus mandatory restitution and asset forfeiture.
Last updated: 12/30/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2025 or the SHIELD Act of 2023 [<em>sic</em>]</strong></p><p>This bill establishes new federal criminal offenses related to the distribution of sexual exploitative content. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Creates federal crime for nonconsensual intimate image sharing
Up to 2 years prison for adult victim offenses
Up to 3 years prison for nude images of minors
Requires intent to harm or actual harm caused
Mandatory restitution for victims
Asset forfeiture for materials and proceeds of offense
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill addresses revenge porn and image-based sexual abuse at the federal level, filling gaps where state laws vary or are absent. Victims currently have limited recourse when perpetrators are in other jurisdictions or use interstate communications. Federal criminalization provides consistent penalties nationwide and gives prosecutors tools to pursue offenders across state lines. The bill includes safeguards requiring proof of harm or harmful intent to avoid overly broad application.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Related Subjects
Civil actions and liability
Crimes against children
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Domestic violence and child abuse
Internet, web applications, social media
Pornography
Sex offenses
Telephone and wireless communication
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
516, 119th Congress (2025). "SHIELD Act of 2023". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-516