Stop Sextortion Act Would Make Threatening to Share Child Abuse Images a Federal Crime

Federal agencies and prosecutors begin using the new “threat to distribute” child sexual abuse image charges once the law is in effect.

Victims (and parents) may see faster, clearer law enforcement action even when the offender threatened to share images but did not actually send them.

Cases involving sextortion threats where no real image existed can still be charged under the new rule.

People who were threatened with fake images still have a stronger legal path to report and stop the blackmail.

Maximum prison terms increase by 10 years for certain covered crimes when child pornography is knowingly used to intimidate, coerce, extort, or cause major emotional distress.

If someone is convicted in these situations, sentencing exposure is higher, which can change plea deals and how seriously cases are pursued.