Utah H.B. 148 (computer-generated CSAM & intimate images count as illegal)
Utah H.B. 148 — Artificial Pornographic Images Amendments
Utah · Utah Laws 2024, H.B. 148; Utah Code 76-5b-103, 76-5b-203, 76-5b-205
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- May 1, 2024
- Applies to
- Individuals subject to Utah's criminal sexual exploitation and intimate-image distribution laws.
- Enforced by
- Utah prosecutors and law enforcement (criminal enforcement).
Utah updated its Sexual Exploitation Act so that sexual-abuse and intimate-image offenses clearly cover synthetic or computer-generated imagery, not just camera-captured photos and video. The definitions of child sexual abuse material, 'intimate image,' and 'counterfeit intimate image' were each broadened to include computer or computer-generated images, pictures, and videos. As a result, AI-generated or otherwise fabricated explicit depictions can be prosecuted the same way as real images.
Who is protected: Minors, vulnerable adults, and individuals depicted in non-consensual or counterfeit intimate imagery, including computer-generated depictions.
Legal detail
H.B. 148 (2024) amends Utah Code 76-5b-103, 76-5b-203, and 76-5b-205 to insert 'computer or computer-generated image, picture, or video' into the definitions of child sexual abuse material, intimate image, and counterfeit intimate image; it adds no new penalty and relies on existing offense penalties.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Utah |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | March 13, 2024 |
| Citation | Utah Laws 2024, H.B. 148; Utah Code 76-5b-103, 76-5b-203, 76-5b-205 |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | No new penalty is created; the existing criminal penalties for sexual exploitation and intimate-image offenses apply under Title 76, Chapter 5b. |
| Topics | children's online safety · non-consensual intimate imagery · AI-generated images |
| Bill text | H.B. 148, Artificial Pornographic Images Amendments (Enrolled), Utah Legislature 2024 |
More AI rules in Utah
- Utah HB 76 data center water transparency (2026) · In effect
- Utah EO 2026-08 pro-human AI in state government · In effect
- UT HB 101 (2019 AV statute) · In effect
- UT drone-wildfire law · In effect
- Utah H.B. 238 (AI-generated child sexual abuse material is illegal) · In effect
- Utah S.B. 131 (AI-generated political ads must say 'generated by AI') · 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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