Tennessee HB 2163 (AI-generated child abuse images are illegal 'material')
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
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- July 1, 2024
- Applies to
- Individuals subject to Tennessee's criminal child sexual exploitation statutes.
- Enforced by
- Tennessee district attorneys / state criminal prosecution.
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.
Who is protected: Children depicted in sexual abuse material, including in AI-generated or digitally altered imagery.
Legal 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.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | May 13, 2024 |
| Citation | 2024 Tenn. Pub. Ch. 911 (HB 2163); amends Tenn. Code Ann. Titles 39 & 40 |
| 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 |
| Bill text | Tennessee General Assembly — HB 2163 Bill Information (Public Chapter 911) |
More AI rules in Tennessee
- Tennessee Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act · In effect
- 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
Related children's online safety rules elsewhere
- PA v. Character.AI (Fake Psychiatrist Chatbot) · Blocked / in litigation
- RI AI Companion Self-Harm Safety (2026) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act) (H.R. 7757) · Proposed / pending
- 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
- Blanchester OH schools AI policy EDEC (Jun. 29, 2026) · In effect
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