AI Regulatory Reform Act

Would criminalize the creation or distribution of deepfakes—digitally altered or AI-generated images, audio, or video falsely depicting a real person—when done with intent to harass, extort, threaten, or cause harm. A first offense would be a Class 1 misdemeanor. Victims could seek civil damages up to $10,000 per incident. The bill also provides liability shields for AI developers when their products are misused by professionals.

Technical detail

Establishes Class 1 misdemeanor for creating/distributing deepfakes with intent to harm; civil cause of action (up to $10,000/incident); grants AI developer safe harbor for professional-use misapplication; proposed effective date December 1, 2025.

Who is protected: Individuals falsely depicted in harmful or exploitative deepfakes; electoral candidates

Who must comply: Persons who knowingly create or solicit deepfakes with intent to harm, extort, or influence elections

Key facts

More AI rules in North Carolina

• North Carolina Senate Bill 730 (Data Center Water and Coolin · Proposed / pending
• NC AI Strategic Roadmap (released Jul. 1, 2026) · In effect
• NC HB 469 (2017 AV statute) · In effect
• NC HB 591 (AI CSAM, deepfake intimate images & sextortion) · In effect
• Executive Order No. 24: Advancing Trustworthy Artificial Int · In effect
• North Carolina State Government Responsible Use of Artificia · In effect

Related non-consensual intimate imagery rules elsewhere

• Arizona HB 2133 deepfake sexual content — vetoed 2026 · Vetoed
• TAKE IT DOWN Act · In effect
• DEFIANCE Act (deepfake-porn civil suits) · Proposed / pending
• NY S5959-D (2020, digital replicas + deepfake porn) · In effect
• VA HB 2678 (2019, first deepfake-NCII criminal law) · In effect
• Missouri Deepfake & Digital Media Protection Act · Proposed / pending