CONSENT Act

This bill establishes a private right of action allowing individuals to sue those who transmit unsolicited intimate visual depictions. This includes images, whether authentic or intimate digital forgeries created using AI or other technology, sent without the recipient's affirmative consent. The civil action can be brought by recipients aged 18 or older, or by legal guardians on behalf of minors or incapacitated individuals, against senders who knowingly or recklessly disregard consent, with exceptions for good faith medical, educational, or law enforcement purposes.

Victims may seek various forms of relief, including either statutory damages of up to $1,000 or compensatory damages for emotional distress, along with reasonable attorney fees and costs. The bill also allows for injunctive relief, such as temporary restraining orders or permanent injunctions, to stop further transmissions. Importantly, it protects minors by permitting the use of initials or pseudonyms in court filings and clarifies that it does not affect existing criminal laws or abridge First Amendment rights.