Virginia SB 731 (AI/computer-generated CSAM covered)
Virginia SB 731 (2024) — Child Pornography Definition Clarified to Cover Computer-Generated Images of Minors
Virginia · Va. Code 18.2-374.1; SB 731 (2024), Va. Acts c. 262
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- July 1, 2024
- Applies to
- Any person who produces, distributes, finances, possesses, or otherwise deals in child pornography as defined.
- Enforced by
- Commonwealth's Attorneys / local prosecutors; Virginia courts.
Virginia clarified that its definition of child pornography reaches computer-generated and synthetic depictions of minors. For the prong covering a minor shown in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct, the minor depicted 'does not have to actually exist,' ensuring AI-generated or fabricated child sexual abuse material falls within existing criminal prohibitions. The existing felony penalties apply.
Who is protected: Minors and the public interest in preventing child sexual abuse material, including wholly synthetic or AI-generated depictions.
Legal detail
SB 731 (2024, Va. Acts c. 262) amended Va. Code 18.2-374.1 so that, for material depicting a minor in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct, 'the minor depicted does not have to actually exist,' bringing computer-generated/synthetic depictions within the child-pornography definition.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | March 28, 2024 |
| Citation | Va. Code 18.2-374.1; SB 731 (2024), Va. Acts c. 262 |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | No new penalty created; existing felony penalties under Va. Code 18.2-374.1 and 18.2-374.1:1 apply. |
| Topics | children's online safety · AI-generated images |
| Statute | Code of Virginia 18.2-374.1 — Production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child pornography |
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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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