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Protecting Online Identity: New Rules Against Libelous Impersonation.

The SHIELD Act prohibits using someone else's identity without permission to post libelous, slanderous, or criminal information online. Crucially, this law allows victims to sue not only the impersonator but also the interactive computer services (like social media platforms) hosting the content, overriding standard platform immunity in these specific cases. This provides citizens with stronger legal recourse against severe online reputation damage.
Key points
New Prohibition: It is illegal to use another person's identity without authorization to publish content that is libelous, slanderous, or criminal online.
Platform Accountability: Interactive computer services (social media, forums) can be held civilly liable for hosting this specific type of unauthorized, harmful content.
Victim Rights: Victims can seek actual damages, legal costs, and court orders requiring the platform to publicly disclose that the information did not originate from the victim.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8463
Sponsor: Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
Process start date: 2024-05-17
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

SHIELD Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_8463.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-05-17.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • New Prohibition: It is illegal to use another person's identity without authorization to publish content that is libelous, slanderous, or criminal online.
  • Platform Accountability: Interactive computer services (social media, forums) can be held civilly liable for hosting this specific type of unauthorized, harmful content.
  • Victim Rights: Victims can seek actual damages, legal costs, and court orders requiring the platform to publicly disclose that the information did not originate from the victim.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

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