PROTECT Act

The PROTECT Act (HR 8457) requires online pornography platforms to verify the identity and age (18+) of users before allowing content uploads, and to confirm that individuals appearing in images provided explicit written consent for each sexual act depicted and for the distribution of specific images. It mandates platforms to establish a 72-hour removal process for images distributed without consent and to block re-uploads of removed content. The bill targets major pornography websites that host user-uploaded content, aiming to prevent nonconsensual distribution of intimate images and exploitation of minors. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per image. This legislation creates new requirements for platforms and adds a criminal penalty for nonconsensual distribution of intimate visual depictions.