Legislation to Combat AI-Generated Deepfake Images of Minors in PA Set for Enactment

HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Sen. Jimmy Dillon (D-5) and Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18) to combat "deepfake" images of minors and child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) received final legislative approval and is set for enactment into law.

Senate Bill 1213 addresses the alarming rise in AI-generated deepfake sexual images of children and non-consenting adults. Currently, Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to share intimate images without consent but does not clearly address the use of AI deepfake technology for this purpose. This gap in our law leaves many vulnerable to a new form of digital abuse.

The bill also prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material, previously referred to as "child pornography," which is not currently prohibited under law. With the changes contained in SB 1213, law enforcement will now have the ability to prosecute individuals who generate and disseminate these types of child sexual abuse materials.

"AI technology can be used for good or evil, and Pennsylvania needs a law to target depraved people who use it to create sexual images of people who did not give their consent, along with child sexual abuse materials," said Pennycuick, who chairs the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. "This bipartisan legislation sends the message that this insidious use of AI will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania."

In August, police in Lancaster County launched an investigation into a case of artificially generated nude photos that use the faces of more than 20 female teenage students. The district attorney said that in some cases charges can't be filed because the images don't involve actual children. Senate Bill 1213 would close that loophole.

"With the passage of Senate Bill 1213, we are one step closer to protecting Pennsylvanians-especially our children-from the harmful misuse of AI technology," said Dillon. "This bill addresses a gap in our laws, ensuring that AI-generated sexual images without consent are treated as the serious violations they are. I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues, Senators Pennycuick and Boscola, to see this vital legislation move forward."

"I applaud the bipartisanship that got this bill across the finish line," said Boscola. "In passing this legislation, we have taken a big leap forward in stemming the use of AI technology for exploitive, vile ends. I am grateful for the hard work of my colleagues in getting this done."

The bill originally passed the Senate in June, was amended by the House of Representatives, and received final Senate approval today. It will now be sent to the governor to be signed into law.

CONTACTS:

Matt Szuchyt (Sen. Pennycuick)
215-541-2388
[email protected]

Amanda Applegate (Sen. Dillon)
215-281-2539
[email protected]

Meghan Lago (Sen. Boscola)
610-868-8667
[email protected]

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