SHIELD Act of 2025

The SHIELD Act of 2025 would create two new federal criminal offenses related to the distribution of sexual exploitative content. The first offense targets the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images of adults. Under this provision, it would be illegal to knowingly mail, distribute, or threaten to distribute sexual images of an adult without their consent, provided the material is not a matter of public concern and the person intends to cause harm or does cause harm. Violators could face up to two years in prison, fines, mandatory restitution to victims, and forfeiture of materials and proceeds related to the offense.

The second offense addresses the distribution of sexual images involving minors. The bill would make it a crime to knowingly distribute or threaten to distribute nude or sexual images of a minor with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or sexually arouse any person. This offense carries steeper penalties, including up to three years in prison, fines, mandatory restitution, and forfeiture of related materials and proceeds.

If enacted, this legislation would expand federal law enforcement tools to prosecute the distribution of intimate images without consent and child sexual abuse material. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.