This bill increases the accountability for those who disclose intimate images without consent by clarifying the criteria for civil action, revising image descriptions, and increasing maximum damages.
Nancy Mace
Representative
SC-1
The "Increased Accountability for Nonconsensual Pornography Act of 2025" amends existing legislation to strengthen protections against the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images. It clarifies the mental state of the depicted individual, broadens the scope of covered images to include identifiable individuals engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and increases the maximum statutory damages for violations to $500,000.
Bill Boosts Penalties for Nonconsensual Intimate Image Sharing, Raising Max Damages to $500K
This bill, the Increased Accountability for Nonconsensual Pornography Act of 2025, amends existing federal law (specifically Section 1309 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) to strengthen civil actions against the disclosure of intimate images without consent. It clarifies key legal definitions related to these cases and significantly increases the potential financial consequences for perpetrators, aiming to provide better recourse for victims and deter this harmful practice.
Sharpening the Legal Tools
The core changes focus on making the existing law clearer and giving it more bite. First, it refines the language around the mental state of the person depicted, likely aiming to make it easier to establish that the sharing was indeed nonconsensual. Second, it updates the description of what constitutes a covered intimate image, specifying it includes identifiable individuals engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This clarification helps define exactly what kind of content falls under this protection. The most significant change, however, is the increase in maximum statutory damages available in civil lawsuits – jumping from $150,000 to $500,000. This substantial increase signals a tougher stance on nonconsensual image sharing.
Real-World Ripple Effects
So, what does this mean practically? For individuals whose intimate images are shared without permission, this bill could offer a clearer legal path and the potential for significantly higher financial compensation if they pursue a civil case. The $500,000 cap might act as a stronger deterrent for potential offenders, making them think twice before sharing nonconsensual content. The refined definitions aim to reduce legal ambiguity, potentially streamlining these often difficult cases. While the possibility of false claims exists, the focus remains on empowering victims and holding those who violate privacy accountable with steeper potential penalties. The clarity added by the bill (rated low on vagueness) should help both individuals seeking justice and the legal system handling these sensitive matters.