To amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice to expand prohibitions against the wrongful broadcast, distribution, or publication of intimate visual images, including digital forgeries, and for other purposes.
Analysis under review: This bill has generated analysis that may be too generic or incomplete. Clause-level evidence remains available below.
Summary
The HONOR Act (Halting Online Nonconsensual Offenses in the Ranks Act) updates military law to crack down on the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. It makes it a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for military personnel to knowingly share real or AI-fabricated intimate images without consent. Offenders face up to 3 years in prison for adult victims and up to 7 years for child victims. The law protects legitimate uses like law enforcement investigations, legal proceedings, and medical education.
Evidence Chain:
This summary is generated from the full bill text using AI analysis. Expand "Detailed Analysis" below for identified beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.
At a Glance
What This Bill Does
Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to expand and strengthen prohibitions against the wrongful broadcast, distribution, or publication of intimate visual images, including AI-generated digital forgeries (deepfakes), by military personnel. Establishes clear criminal liability, sentencing guidelines, and victim protections while providing exemptions for law enforcement and good-faith disclosures.
Key Policy Areas
Defense, Criminal Justice, Technology, Privacy
Primary Purpose
Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to expand and strengthen prohibitions against the wrongful broadcast, distribution, or publication of intimate visual images, including AI-generated digital forgeries (deepfakes), by military personnel. Establishes clear criminal liability, sentencing guidelines, and victim protections while providing exemptions for law enforcement and good-faith disclosures.
Policy Domains
HONOR Act -- Modifications to UCMJ Article 117a
Identified Gains
- Military service members (as potential victims)
- Victims of nonconsensual intimate image distribution
- Minors depicted in exploitative content
- Military families
Identified Costs
- Military personnel who distribute such images (criminal liability)
- Military justice system (enforcement and adjudication)
- Department of Defense (implementation and training)
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
IntroducedMs. Mace introduced the following bill; which was referred to …
Impact analysis is available but no clear stakeholder effects identified. View clause-level analysis →
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
- "the_secretary"
- → Secretary of Defense (implied, military justice context)
- "persons_subject_to_chapter"
- → Military personnel subject to the UCMJ
Key Definitions
Terms defined in this bill
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