Pending legislation — not current federal law.The provisions described as part of this bill would take effect only if enacted.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the scope, status, protections, and responsibilities associated with The SHIELD Act.
Is the SHIELD Act currently law?
No. H.R.1218 has been introduced and referred to committee but has not passed Congress.
Is it the same as the TAKE IT DOWN Act?
No. TAKE IT DOWN became law in 2025. H.R.1218 is a separate pending proposal with different elements and penalties.
Would consent to taking a photo mean consent to posting it?
No. The proposal expressly states that consent to creation does not establish consent to distribution.
Does this SHIELD Act concern cybersecurity or securities law?
No. Multiple measures have used the SHIELD acronym. This resource concerns H.R.1218 and intimate visual depictions.
Verify the current text
Legislation, regulations, agency guidance, and inflation-adjusted penalties can change. Use the linked official sources for the controlling and most current information.