Espionage law now explicitly criminalizes video of defense secrets

What it does

This bill amends the federal espionage statute (18 U.S.C. § 793) to explicitly criminalize the taking or transmitting of video recordings of defense information. Currently, the statute covers photographs and photographic negatives but does not explicitly mention video. The bill closes that gap by adding 'video' to the list of prohibited recording methods, making it a federal crime to record and transmit video of classified or sensitive defense materials.

Why we flagged it

The bill is a narrow, technical amendment to the federal espionage statute designed to close a gap in coverage by explicitly criminalizing video recording of defense information alongside existing prohibitions on photographs and other recording methods.

What the text implies

• The amendment may affect First Amendment protections for journalists and documentarians recording at or near defense facilities, as video recording now faces the same criminal liability as photography under the espionage statute.
• The bill does not define 'video' or distinguish between professional journalism, documentary work, and hostile intelligence gathering—all video recording of defense information becomes equally criminal.
• Drone footage, which is increasingly used in journalism and public oversight, becomes explicitly criminalized under the espionage statute, potentially chilling investigative reporting on military installations or defense contractors.
• The amendment applies retroactively to all instances where 'photographic negative' appears in § 793, potentially expanding liability for conduct that may have occupied a gray area under prior law.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

The bill strengthens criminal penalties for espionage and unauthorized disclosure of defense secrets, which protects national security and classified information from hostile actors. However, it may chill legitimate journalism, documentary filmmaking, and public oversight by criminalizing video recording of defense facilities or information, even in contexts where photography is already prohibited but the distinction between photo and video was previously meaningful for First Amendment analysis.

Named in the bill

18 U.S.C. § 793 (Espionage Act), U.S. Department of Defense, House Committee on the Judiciary

Where it stands

13 cosponsors: 8 Republicans, 5 Democrats.

• Apr 17, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Apr 17, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.