PROTECT Act of 2026
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5129, the PROTECT Act of 2026, would amend federal criminal law to regulate how pornographic and intimate images are uploaded to online platforms. It would require operators of "covered platforms"—websites, apps, or services that primarily host user-generated content or regularly publish intimate images—to verify the identity and age (18 or older) of any user uploading such content, and to obtain documented, explicit consent from everyone depicted, covering both participation in the sexual conduct shown and distribution of that specific image. The Attorney General would create a standard consent form and could approve alternatives. Users themselves would also be barred from uploading images of others without consent. The bill excludes broadband services, email, and platforms whose content is mainly non-user-generated. It also amends the existing TAKE IT DOWN Act to require platforms not just to remove but to prevent reuploading of nonconsensual intimate images.
The bill primarily affects operators of social media, image-hosting, and adult content platforms, who would face new verification and record-keeping duties, plus individual users who post such images. Violations could bring civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per image (enforced by the Attorney General or through private lawsuits for damages) and criminal penalties of up to 5 years' imprisonment for a first offense and 2–10 years for repeat offenses. People depicted in images without proper consent or verification could sue platforms or users directly. The measure states it does not alter Section 230 of the Communications Act or affect other criminal obscenity laws, and includes a severability clause.
The bill was introduced by Senator Mike Lee on July 23, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received committee action, a vote, or floor consideration, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed into law before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5129 do?
- S. 5129, the PROTECT Act of 2026, would amend federal criminal law to regulate how pornographic and intimate images are uploaded to online platforms. It would require operators of "covered platforms"—websites, apps, or services that primarily host user-generated content or regularly publish intimate images—to verify the identity and age (18 or older) of any user uploading such content, and to obtain documented, explicit consent from everyone depicted, covering both participation in the sexual conduct shown and distribution of that specific image. The Attorney General would create a standard consent form and could approve alternatives. Users themselves would also be barred from uploading images of others without consent. The bill excludes broadband services, email, and platforms whose content is mainly non-user-generated. It also amends the existing TAKE IT DOWN Act to require platforms not just to remove but to prevent reuploading of nonconsensual intimate images. The bill primarily affects operators of social media, image-hosting, and adult content platforms, who would face new verification and record-keeping duties, plus individual users who post such images. Violations could bring civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per image (enforced by the Attorney General or through private lawsuits for damages) and criminal penalties of up to 5 years' imprisonment for a first offense and 2–10 years for repeat offenses. People depicted in images without proper consent or verification could sue platforms or users directly. The measure states it does not alter Section 230 of the Communications Act or affect other criminal obscenity laws, and includes a severability clause. The bill was introduced by Senator Mike Lee on July 23, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It has not yet received committee action, a vote, or floor consideration, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed into law before taking effect.
- Has S. 5129 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, S. 5129 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5129?
- S. 5129 was sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee [R-UT] (Republican-UT), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5129?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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