CONSENT Act

HR 7736, the CONSENT Act, creates a civil remedy for individuals 18+ who receive unsolicited sexually explicit images or videos without their consent. It allows victims to sue senders in federal court for statutory damages up to $500 or compensation for emotional distress, plus attorney fees and injunctions to stop further transmissions. The bill explicitly excludes third-party platforms (like social media), medical/educational uses, and 18+ websites from liability. It defines "machine-manipulated media" (including AI-generated content) as covered under "visual depictions" and includes special protections for minors, allowing them to use initials in court filings. The law does not affect existing criminal penalties for non-consensual sharing.