Stop Sextortion Act (S. 3398)

Summary

Makes it a federal crime to threaten to share sexual images of children to scare, force, or upset someone, and increases punishments for these acts.

What problem does this solve?

Predators threaten to share sexual images of children to blackmail and control them, even if the images are fake or don't exist. This bill makes the threat itself a crime and adds 10 years to prison sentences for using these materials for extortion.

What does this bill do?

Criminalizes threats of distribution

Makes it a federal crime to threaten to share any visual depiction of child sexual abuse with the intent to intimidate, coerce, extort, or cause major emotional distress.

Increases prison time for extortion

Adds 10 years to the maximum prison sentence for offenses that involve using child pornography to intimidate, coerce, or extort a person.

Applies penalties even if material is fake

Ensures that a person who threatens to distribute child sexual abuse material can be punished even if no such material actually existed at the time of the threat.

Who does this affect?

Children and minors
Online predators and extortionists
Federal law enforcement

What is the real world impact?

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Closes a legal loophole

Establishes that threatening to share child sexual abuse material is a crime, even if the material doesn't actually exist. This prevents offenders from escaping punishment by claiming they were bluffing.

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Increases penalties for offenders

Adds 10 years to the maximum prison sentence for anyone who uses child sexual abuse material to extort, threaten, or scare a victim. This aims to deter predators by making the consequences more severe.

When does this start?

The changes would take effect as soon as the bill is signed into law.