To prohibit and establish penalties for the use of the identity of another, without authorization, to make available certain information, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 24, 2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
The SHIELD Act would make it illegal for someone to impersonate another person online and post false, defamatory, or criminal information while pretending to be that person. The bill targets cases where someone hijacks another person's identity on websites or social media to spread harmful lies. Anyone who becomes a victim of this impersonation could sue in federal court and potentially recover actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs, as well as obtain court orders requiring the website to post a notice explaining the content came from an imposter rather than the victim. The legislation notably removes liability protections that internet platforms normally receive under existing law, making websites potentially responsible for policing impersonation content posted by users. The bill does not specify any particular funding or implementation timeline beyond establishing the legal framework for civil lawsuits.
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