The bill H. 5598 aims to amend Section 16-15-332 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which addresses the dissemination of intimate images without consent. The proposed changes introduce specific provisions that clarify when a developer or provider of technology may be held liable for such offenses. Notably, the bill states that developers or providers of technology are not liable if they are solely creating or providing a neutral, general-purpose tool with lawful uses. However, they can be held accountable if they design or promote their products in a way that facilitates the creation or dissemination of intimate images of identifiable individuals.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific actions that would make a developer or provider liable, including promoting tools for generating intimate images, providing instructional content for such images, or materially contributing to their production. If a developer violates these provisions, they would be deemed responsible and subject to penalties. The bill also clarifies that it does not limit civil liability for developers who profit from the production or dissemination of intimate images. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
04/28/2026: 16-15-332
Latest Version: 16-15-332