PROTECT Act Preventing Rampant Online Technological Exploitation and Criminal Trafficking Act of 2024
The proposed bill primarily impacts current state and federal regulations surrounding online content and the accountability of content providers. Significant enforcement measures, including civil penalties for non-compliance, are introduced, allowing the Attorney General to impose fines on platform operators that fail to adhere to consent and verification requirements. Additionally, individuals aggrieved by violations of these provisions can seek civil action against offenders, potentially leading to substantial financial consequences for online platforms. This legislation seeks to safeguard individuals from the exploitation and distribution of intimate visual depictions without consent, reflecting a growing concern regarding online safety and digital rights.
House Bill 8457, titled the 'Preventing Rampant Online Technological Exploitation and Criminal Trafficking Act of 2024' or 'PROTECT Act', seeks to regulate the uploading of pornographic images on online platforms by imposing strict verification and consent requirements for users. The bill mandates that platform operators must verify the age and identity of users attempting to upload pornographic images, ensuring that such uploads do not include individuals under 18 years of age unless those individuals can be proven to be older than 30 based on reasonable evidence. Furthermore, users must provide explicit consent for each image, which must be documented according to specified standards set forth by the Attorney General. This legislative action aims to protect vulnerable populations and combat the rampant distribution of non-consensual intimate images online.
However, the bill has prompted discussions on civil liberties, particularly regarding the balance between user privacy and regulation. Critics argue that the enforcement of such stringent requirements could stifle free expression and infringe upon the rights of both content creators and consumers. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the bill's technical feasibility for smaller platforms and startups that may struggle to implement comprehensive verification systems. The bill may also face legal challenges related to potential violations of First Amendment protections, especially concerning artistic expression that may involve sexually explicit content.