United States of America: Implemented sexually explicit digital images Act (SB 981)

On 1 January 2025, the sexually explicit digital images Act (SB 981) becomes effective. The Bill aims to regulate social media platforms by establishing a process for reporting and handling cases of digital identity theft involving sexually explicit content. The Bill defines sexually explicit digital identity theft as the unauthorised posting of intimate digital content, such as videos or images depicting identifiable individuals engaged in sexual acts, without the individual's consent to the use of their likeness. Social media platforms are required to provide California users with an easily accessible mechanism to report such cases. Once a report is submitted, the platform must confirm receipt within 48 hours and provide a status update on the handling of the reported content within seven days. While the case is being reviewed, the content must be temporarily blocked. The platform has 30 days to determine if the case qualifies as digital identity theft. In certain circumstances, this period may be extended to 60 days. If the platform concludes that the content does indeed involve digital identity theft, the content must be immediately removed.