PROTECT Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a federal rule requiring platforms to verify the identity, age, and explicit written consent of every person shown before pornographic images are uploaded. Mandatory identity, age, and consent verification for pornographic uploads.
Show full summary
- Platforms would need to verify a user's identity and that they are at least 18 before allowing pornographic uploads. They would also have to collect consent forms and at least one valid ID for every person depicted and offer a model consent form in written and electronic formats.
- Performers and other people appearing in images would have to provide explicit written consent for each sex act and for distribution of the specific image. Consent forms must list names, dates of birth, signatures, the sex acts, distribution scope, duration, and a coercion-withdrawal disclosure.
- Enforcement would create civil penalties and private damages of up to $10,000 per day per image or actual damages, whichever is greater. Criminal penalties would include up to 5 years in prison for initial violations and 2 to 10 years for repeat offenses. The Attorney General would set verification methods and issue a model form and rules. The bill would also add reupload prevention to the TAKE IT DOWN Act and preserves other federal and state obligations.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Big fines, damages, and reupload rules
If enacted, people harmed by nonconsensual or improperly verified pornographic uploads could sue for the greater of $10,000 for each day each image stayed up or for actual damages, counted per image per day. The Attorney General could fine platforms up to $10,000 per day per image after 24 hours' notice and use the money for enforcement. The bill would add criminal penalties too: up to 5 years' imprisonment for a first offense and 2 to 10 years for later offenses. The bill would also require platforms to prevent reuploads, not just take down images.
Which sites and images are covered
If enacted, the bill would say which websites and apps count as covered platforms. It would define what counts as an intimate or pornographic image and explain how a person can be identified (face, marks, background, voice, or written confirmation). It would exclude broadband services and email and would exempt sites unless they regularly publish intimate images. The bill would also say these rules do not replace other federal or state laws or limit speech protected by the First Amendment.
New ID and consent rules for uploads
If enacted, platforms would have to verify a user's identity and that the uploader is at least 18 before allowing pornographic uploads. Providers would also have to verify each person shown was 18 when the image was created and that each person gave explicit written consent for each sex act and for distribution of that exact image. Consent must use a form the Attorney General sets or approves and include name, date of birth, signature, listed sex acts, distribution limits, duration, and a government ID with matching photo and signature. The Attorney General would publish a model consent form within 60 days, and platforms must make that form available 90 days after enactment. A simple user claim of being over 18 would not be enough without independent verification.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lee, Mike [R-UT]
UT • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov