Missouri RSMo 573.010 — Child Pornography Includes Computer-Generated / Indistinguishable Images
Missouri · RSMo 573.010 (computer-generated image language added 2006 H.B. 1698)
Missouri's definition of child pornography reaches computer and computer-generated images, not just photographs. It covers a digital or computer-generated image that depicts an actual minor in sexually explicit conduct, as well as an image that is indistinguishable from such a depiction. 'Indistinguishable' means an ordinary person viewing it would conclude it shows an actual minor, so synthetic imagery falls within the definition.
Technical detail
RSMo 573.010 defines 'child pornography' to include a 'digital image, computer image, or computer-generated image that is, or is indistinguishable from,' a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; the computer-generated language was added in 2006 and remains in the current statute. Existing criminal penalties apply.
Who is protected: Minors, including individuals depicted in computer-generated or indistinguishable imagery.
Who must comply: Anyone subject to Missouri's pornography and child-exploitation offenses in Chapter 573.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2006-06-05 |
| Enacted | 2006-06-05 |
| Citation | RSMo 573.010 (computer-generated image language added 2006 H.B. 1698) |
| Enforced by | Missouri prosecutors / state criminal justice system. |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Existing Missouri criminal penalties for child pornography offenses apply to qualifying computer-generated and indistinguishable images. |
| Topics | children's online safety · AI-generated images |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo 573.010 Definitions ↗ |
More AI rules in Missouri
- Missouri AI Therapy Chatbot Ban (SB 1019) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Missouri Deepfake & Digital Media Protection Act · Proposed / pending
- Missouri Taylor Swift Act (SB 1117) · Expired
- Executive Order 26-02 (Strategic Framework for Integration o · In effect
Related children's online safety rules elsewhere
- PA v. Character.AI (Fake Psychiatrist Chatbot) · Blocked / in litigation
- RI AI Companion Self-Harm Safety (2026) · In effect
- Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act) (H.R. 7757) · Proposed / pending
- Washington HB 2225 (AI chatbot disclosure, minor protections, crisis protocols) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Oregon SB 1546 (AI companion chatbot disclosure + private right of action) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- xAI v. Harwood (Grok NCII Counter-Suit 2026) · Blocked / in litigation
See something wrong or out of date? Submit a correction — every entry must carry a verifiable official source.