Tennessee HB 2163 — Inclusion of AI-Generated Material in Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses
Tennessee · 2024 Tenn. Pub. Ch. 911 (HB 2163); amends Tenn. Code Ann. Titles 39 & 40
Tennessee amended its child sexual exploitation statutes so that the definition of unlawful 'material' explicitly covers computer-generated images that were created, adapted, or modified using artificial intelligence. This closes a gap by making clear that AI-generated or digitally altered depictions of child sexual abuse are treated the same as other prohibited material. The law adds statutory definitions of 'artificial intelligence' and 'generative artificial intelligence' for this purpose.
Technical detail
Public Chapter 911 (HB 2163, 113th G.A.) amends TCA Titles 39 and 40 so that 'material' in the sexual exploitation of children offenses includes computer-generated images created, adapted, or modified by artificial intelligence, and defines AI and generative AI.
Who is protected: Children depicted in sexual abuse material, including in AI-generated or digitally altered imagery.
Who must comply: Individuals subject to Tennessee's criminal child sexual exploitation statutes.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2024-07-01 |
| Enacted | 2024-05-13 |
| Citation | 2024 Tenn. Pub. Ch. 911 (HB 2163); amends Tenn. Code Ann. Titles 39 & 40 |
| Enforced by | Tennessee district attorneys / state criminal prosecution. |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | No new penalty is created; existing criminal penalties for sexual exploitation of children offenses under Tennessee law apply to AI-generated or altered material. |
| Topics | children's online safety · AI-generated images |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | Tennessee General Assembly — HB 2163 Bill Information (Public Chapter 911) ↗ |
More AI rules in Tennessee
- TN SB 151 (2017 AV Act) · In effect
- TN drone trespass / FFUSA · In effect
- Tennessee Information Protection Act (opt out of automated profiling decisions) · In effect
- Tennessee SB 837 (AI is not a 'person' under TN law) · In effect
- Tennessee SB 1580 (AI can't claim to be a mental health professional) · In effect
- ELVIS Act · 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
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