Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Legislation to Combat Non-consensual Disclosure of Intimate Image
(Washington, D.C., May 14th, 2024) — Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01) has once again introduced a bill protecting victims' rights, women, and delivering on her promises of accountability and justice. The "Victimizer Accountability for Non-consensual Images and Spiteful Humiliation Act" (VANISH Act) targets revenge porn and sextortion, aiming to address these pervasive issues.
"In today's digital age, the prevalence of deepfake porn, sextortion, voyeurism, and revenge porn poses a risk to everyone. These taboo issues demand attention, and our office remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for those affected," said Congresswoman Mace."The alarming statistics speak for themselves and Congress must take decisive action.”
”The VANISH ACT will stop many issues we face and criminalize those that look to victimize our citizens,” said South Carolina State Rep. Brandon E. Guffey. “We have seen a rise in suicides from many across the country from this very act. My son was one of the many teenagers that chose to take his life because of it. I am in full support of Representative Mace and her fight for this cause.”
The VANISH Act, if passed, will bring significant extensions and changes to Title 18, providing more accountability for perpetrators of sextortion and revenge porn. Key provisions of the bill include:
- Prohibits the disclosure of intimate visual depictions without consent.
- Defines consent to clarify that it does not imply consent to disclosure.
- Provides exceptions for disclosures made in good faith to law enforcement, legal proceedings, or medical purposes.
- Establishes extraterritorial Federal jurisdiction over offenses related to nonconsensual disclosure.
- Provides clear definitions for key terms to ensure clarity and consistency in application.
Background:
From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion involving minors, tragically resulting in at least 20 lives lost.
For more information on the VANISH Act and our efforts to protect women and victims, please visit Mace.House.Gov/VictimRights
For media inquiries, please contact Gabrielle.Lipsky@mail.house.gov
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