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U.S. AI Laws: AI-generated images
As of 2026-08-12, AI Laws USA tracks 125 U.S. AI rules on AI-generated images across federal, state, county, and city government. Each entry links to its official source.
Federal AI-generated images rules (4)
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In effect
TAKE IT DOWN Act
United States · Effective 2025-05-19 · Pub. L. No. 119-12 (S. 146)
Makes it a federal crime to knowingly publish intimate images of someone without consent, including AI-generated deepfakes. Social media and similar platforms must give victims a way to request removal and must take the content (and known copies) down within 48 hours. The platform removal requirement became enforceable May 19, 2026, and the FTC has already begun enforcement.
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Blocked / in litigation
Young v. NeoCortext (Reface)
C.D. Cal. · Effective 2023-04-03 · Young v. NeoCortext, Inc., No. 2:23-cv-02496 (C.D. Cal.); 9th Cir. Dec. 2024
Reality TV personality Kyland Young sued NeoCortext (developer of the Reface face-swap app) under California's right-of-publicity statute, alleging Reface used his image in its in-app catalog without consent. In 2024 the Ninth Circuit affirmed denial of NeoCortext's anti-SLAPP motion, allowing the case to proceed.
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In effect
Copyright Office AI Guidance
United States · 17 U.S.C. § 102; U.S. Copyright Office, Copyright and AI Reports (2024–2025)
The U.S. Copyright Office has ruled that purely AI-generated works cannot be copyrighted — human creativity is required, and typing prompts alone is not enough. Its multi-part AI report covers digital replicas (2024), copyrightability of AI outputs (Jan 2025), and AI training on copyrighted works (May 2025 pre-publication). Whether AI training is fair use is being decided in ongoing litigation.
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Proposed / pending
DEFIANCE Act (deepfake-porn civil suits)
United States · S. 1837, 119th Cong. (DEFIANCE Act)
This bill would let victims of sexually explicit AI deepfakes sue the people who create or share them, with damages starting around $150,000. The Senate passed it unanimously on January 13, 2026 — the second time it has done so — but as of June 2026 it is still awaiting action in the House and is not yet law.
State AI-generated images rules (121)
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In effect
PR Ley 163-2026 / P. del S. 441 (Image Rights)
Puerto Rico · Effective 2026-08-03 · Ley 163-2026 (P. del S. 441, 19th Leg. Assembly); signed August 3, 2026
Puerto Rico Law 163-2026 (P. del S. 441) expands the island's right-of-image statute (Law 139-2011) to expressly cover AI-generated deepfakes and voice clones. Creates civil causes of action when someone's appearance, voice, gestures, movements, or other identifiable attributes are synthetically generated, cloned, simulated, or altered without consent. Signed by Governor Jenniffer González Colón on August 3, 2026.
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Blocked / in litigation
CA SB 942 (challenged)
CA · Effective 2026-08-02 · Cal. SB 942 (2024) — pending First Amendment challenge
California SB 942 mandates AI-content disclosures and watermarking by large generative AI providers, effective August 2, 2026. A First Amendment challenge was filed by industry plaintiffs in late 2025 and is pending preliminary injunction motion.
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In effect
Montana HB 513 (property right in voice & likeness vs. deepfakes)
Montana · Effective 2026-01-01 · Mont. HB 513 (2025) (Ch. 685); codified in Title 30, ch. 14, MCA
Montana gives individuals a property right in their name, voice, and visual likeness. A person may be sued for damages if, without consent, they intentionally publish, perform, distribute, or make available to the public a digital voice or visual depiction of an individual for commercial use, knowing it is an unauthorized depiction of that person. The same liability applies to distributing tools whose primary purpose is producing such unauthorized digital depictions. The right lasts 20 years after death, with exceptions for news, commentary, and parody.
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In effect
New York S8391 (bans unauthorized AI digital replicas of deceased performers)
New York · Effective 2025-12-11 · N.Y. S8391 (2025)
This law makes it illegal to use a digital replica of a deceased performer in an audiovisual work, a sound recording, or a live performance of a musical work without consent from the appropriate rights holder. It applies when the user knows the replica is unauthorized. A deceased performer's estate or rights holder can sue, recovering the greater of $2,000 or their actual damages, plus any profits the violator made from the unauthorized use.
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In effect
Cherokee Nation AI Policy
Cherokee Nation (OK) · Effective 2025-08-21 · Cherokee Nation IT AI Policy (Aug. 21, 2025); companion to Cherokee Nation EO 2024-07-CTH
Cherokee Nation's first AI policy. Governs responsible and ethical AI use across tribal government, protects Cherokee language and cultural content, and requires AI vendor questionnaires before deployment in tribal systems. Signed by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
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In effect
New York Fashion Workers Act (models must consent to AI digital replicas)
New York · Effective 2025-06-19 · New York State Fashion Workers Act; L. 2024, ch. 683 (S9832)
Before a modeling agency or a client can create or use an AI digital replica of a model (such as a computer-generated version of their face, body, or voice), they must get the model's clear written consent, separate from the regular representation contract, that spells out the scope, purpose, pay, and how long the replica will be used.
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In effect
Utah S.B. 271 (no AI deepfakes of your identity for commercial use without consent)
Utah · Effective 2025-05-07 · Utah Laws 2025, S.B. 271; Utah Code 45-3-2 to 45-3-7
Utah broadened its abuse-of-personal-identity law to cover AI-generated and other artificial recreations of a person's identity. 'Personal identity' now includes a person's video likeness, voice, and audiovisual appearance, plus any simulation or artificial recreation made through generative AI, computer animation, or digital manipulation. It is unlawful to use someone's personal identity this way for commercial purposes without consent, and to knowingly distribute, sell, or license technology whose primary purpose is unauthorized identity-content creation. Exemptions cover news, art, and parody.
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In effect
IL Digital Voice/Likeness Act
IL · Effective 2025-01-01 · 765 ILCS 1075/; P.A. 103-1014
Illinois created a private right of action against anyone who distributes an unauthorized AI 'digital replica' of a person's voice or likeness, with damages up to $150,000 plus attorneys' fees. Aimed at AI voice-clone fraud, fake celebrity endorsements, and unauthorized digital replicas of performers.
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Blocked / in litigation
CA AB 1836 (challenged)
CA · Effective 2025-01-01 · Cal. Civ. Code §3344.1 (as amended by AB 1836); MPA v. Bonta (E.D. Cal., pending)
California AB 1836 extended postmortem right of publicity to AI digital replicas of deceased personalities. A First Amendment challenge filed by the Motion Picture Association is pending in federal court.
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In effect
California AB 1836 (bans unauthorized AI digital replicas of dead performers)
California · Effective 2025-01-01 · Cal. Civ. Code 3344.1 (AB 1836, Stats. 2024)
It is unlawful to produce, distribute, or make available a digital replica of a deceased celebrity's or performer's voice or likeness in a film, video, or sound recording without consent from whoever controls that person's rights (such as their estate). Anyone who does so is liable to the rights holder for the greater of $10,000 or the actual damages caused.
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In effect
NY AI digital replica law
NY · Effective 2024-08-13 · N.Y. Civil Rights Law §§ 50-f, 50-g; Ch. 219 and 220 of 2024
New York governor signed laws making vague AI digital-replica clauses in personal-services contracts unenforceable and reinforcing the state's right-of-publicity protections for AI-generated voice and likeness fraud. Builds on NY's existing Civil Rights Law §§ 50-f and 50-g.
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In effect
ELVIS Act
Tennessee · Effective 2024-07-01 · Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 47-25-1101 to -1108 (ELVIS Act, 2024)
The first US law protecting voices from AI cloning: Tennessee added 'voice' to its right-of-publicity law, so using AI to mimic someone's voice or likeness without permission is both a civil violation and a crime. It also allows lawsuits against those who distribute tools whose primary purpose is producing unauthorized voice or likeness replicas.
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In effect
NY S5959-D (2020, digital replicas + deepfake porn)
NY · Effective 2021-05-29 · Ch. 304 of 2020 (S5959-D); N.Y. Civ. Rights Law §§ 50-f, 52-c
Signed by Governor Cuomo on November 30, 2020, NY S5959-D was the first state law to (1) extend right of publicity to digital replicas of deceased personalities for 40 years, and (2) create a private right of action against unlawful publication of sexually explicit deepfakes. Landmark precedent — direct ancestor of CA AB 1836 (2024) and NY's 2023-2025 digital-replica laws.
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In effect
Plateau Peoples TK/BC Labels
Plateau Peoples' Web Portal (Multi-Tribal) · Effective 2015-01-01 · Plateau Peoples' Web Portal — multi-tribal TK/BC Labels initiative
Six Plateau tribes — Colville, Umatilla, Warm Springs, Yakama, Spokane, and Coeur d'Alene — jointly implement Local Contexts Traditional Knowledge and Biocultural Labels on digital cultural-heritage collections. A working Indigenous data sovereignty mechanism applicable to AI training data: labels travel with the data and assert community-defined access and use rules.
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In effect
Local Contexts TK/BC Labels
Local Contexts · Effective 2010-01-01 · Local Contexts TK Labels (2010); BC Labels (2018)
Indigenous-authored digital provenance labels that travel with cultural data to enforce community-set rules on access, attribution, and reuse. Foundational tool for asserting Indigenous data sovereignty against extractive AI training datasets. TK Labels launched 2010; BC Labels 2018. Adopted by 200+ Indigenous communities globally.
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Enacted (not yet in effect)
Washington HB 1170 (AI content watermarking & provenance metadata)
Washington · Effective 2027-02-01 · Washington HB 1170 (2026), effective February 1, 2027
Washington's HB 1170, signed March 24, 2026, requires covered AI providers — those with more than one million monthly active users — to embed metadata or watermarks (provenance data) in AI-generated or materially altered images, video, and audio content. The law is enforced by the Washington Attorney General under the state's Consumer Protection Act. It takes effect February 1, 2027. Strength is rated 'limited' because the one-million-user threshold exempts many smaller AI providers, and enforcement relies on the AG rather than providing a direct private right of action.
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Enacted (not yet in effect)
HB 1170 (WA AI Content Disclosure)
Washington · Effective 2027-02-01 · Wash. E2SHB 1170 (2026); Ch. 167, 2026 Laws
Large AI image, video, and audio generators must embed hard-to-remove provenance data — watermarks or tamper-resistant metadata — in every piece of synthetic content they create. This lets journalists, courts, and the public identify AI-generated media. Applies to services with over 1 million monthly users. Enforced by the Washington Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act. Effective February 1, 2027.
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Enacted (not yet in effect)
Utah HB 276 Provenance Act (AI-content labels + platform provenance duties)
Utah · Effective 2027-01-01 · Utah Code 13-72c-101 to -301, 63A-16-215 (H.B. 276, 2026)
This part of Utah's AI Modifications law requires large generative-AI providers to embed a hidden (latent) disclosure in AI-generated or substantially AI-altered image, audio, and video content. Large online platforms must detect provenance data, let users inspect it, and must not strip compliant provenance or digital signatures. From January 1, 2028, capture-device makers must embed a latent disclosure by default. The law also directs the state CIO to set provenance standards for digital content on public-facing state-agency webpages.
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Enacted (not yet in effect)
Utah HB 276 Voyeurism Act (AI counterfeit intimate images / NCII)
Utah · Effective 2027-01-01 · Utah Code 13-72b-101 to -401 (H.B. 276, 2026)
This part of Utah's AI Modifications law targets AI-generated counterfeit intimate images. An online 'generation service' that lets users create images and then distributes a counterfeit intimate image of an identifiable person without consent violates that person's privacy. Generation services must warn users and get a safe harbor with a written policy and safeguards. Platforms that host content may not knowingly allow distribution of nonconsensual counterfeit intimate images and must run notice-and-takedown procedures aligned with the federal Take It Down Act (48-hour removal). Victims can sue for injunctions, actual and punitive damages, and attorney fees.
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Enacted (not yet in effect)
Wisconsin 452.136(1m) (real estate ads must disclose AI-altered property images)
Wisconsin · Effective 2027-01-01 · Wis. Stat. 452.136(1m); 2025 Wis. Act 69
Wisconsin will require licensed real estate professionals to disclose in their advertising whenever an ad has been altered or modified using technology, including AI, to add, remove, or change elements of a property in a way that creates a false or misleading impression. The rule targets AI-edited listing photos that could mislead buyers or renters. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
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In effect
SB 942 (AI Transparency Act)
California · Effective 2026-08-02 · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22757 et seq. (SB 942, as amended by AB 853)
Large generative AI providers (over 1 million monthly users) must offer a free AI-detection tool and embed disclosures in AI-generated images, video, and audio, including hidden watermark-style disclosures. A 2025 amendment delayed the start to August 2, 2026 and extended duties to large online platforms and capture-device makers (2027).
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In effect
KS Synthetic CSAM Law
Kansas · Effective 2026-07-01 · KS HB 2183, 2025-26 Reg. Sess., approved by Governor Feb. 5, 2026, eff. July 1, 2026
Kansas updated its child sexual exploitation and privacy statutes to prohibit creation and distribution of visual depictions where the person depicted is indistinguishable from a real child, including AI-generated and morphed imagery. The law also addresses unlawful transmission of such visual depictions and breach of privacy. Signed by the governor February 5, 2026; took effect July 1, 2026 as part of the 124-law Kansas effective date batch.
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In effect
Wyo. Stat. 6-4-308 (felony to build/distribute AI systems made to create child porn)
Wyoming · Effective 2026-07-01 · Wyo. Stat. Ann. 6-4-308; see also 6-4-303(b); 2026 Wyo. Sess. Laws (HB0102 / HEA 32)
This new Wyoming crime targets AI systems built specifically to generate child sexual abuse material. It is a felony to knowingly develop or distribute an AI system designed to create, distribute, or promote child pornography or synthetic sexual material, when done with intent or knowledge that others will use it that way. General-purpose tools that produce such content only from user prompts, and bona fide educational, library, law enforcement, and platform activity, are exempted. A companion amendment to 6-4-303 also makes using AI to generate child pornography, or possessing AI-generated child pornography, a felony.
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In effect
New York S8420A (ads must disclose AI 'synthetic performers')
New York · Effective 2026-06-09 · N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law 396-b (S8420A, 2025)
When a business creates an advertisement for property or services for a commercial purpose, this law requires it to clearly disclose if the ad uses a 'synthetic performer' — a digitally created asset (made with generative AI or a software algorithm) meant to look like an audiovisual or visual performance by a human, where the figure is not recognizable as any identifiable real person. Penalties are $1,000 for a first violation and $5,000 for each subsequent violation.
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In effect
Kansas HB 2479 (AI images in blackmail law)
Kansas · Effective 2026-04-09 · 2026 Kan. HB 2479, amending K.S.A. 21-5428 (blackmail)
Kansas's blackmail law now expressly covers threats to release a nude or sexual image, video, or recording of an identifiable person even when that depiction was made or altered by artificial intelligence. It applies whether or not the person was involved in producing any original image, so threatening someone with an AI-generated 'deepfake' of them can be prosecuted as blackmail. Existing criminal penalties for blackmail apply.
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In effect
Kansas HB 2537 'Caleb's Law' (AI sextortion)
Kansas · Effective 2026-04-06 · 2026 Kan. HB 2537 ('Caleb's Law'), amending K.S.A. 21-5515 (sexual extortion)
Kansas's sexual-extortion statute now defines the covered 'image, video, or other recording' to include any depiction created, altered, or modified by artificial intelligence to appear to show a person, whether or not that person was part of any original recording. This means demands or threats backed by AI-fabricated sexual imagery fall within the crime of sexual extortion. The same act, known as 'Caleb's Law,' also raises penalties when an adult offender targets a victim under 18 or a dependent adult and creates aggravated sexual-extortion offenses.
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In effect
Vermont Election Deepfake Law
Vermont · Effective 2026-03-06 · 2026 VT Acts No. 75 (S.23)
Campaign media featuring AI-generated images, audio, or video used within 90 days of a Vermont election must carry a clear disclosure — on video for the full duration, in audio at the beginning, end, and every two minutes. Fines up to $1,000 first offense, $15,000 for repeats.
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In effect
California AB 723 (real estate ads must disclose AI-altered images)
California · Effective 2026-01-01 · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 10140.8 (AB 723, 2025)
This law targets misleading property listings that use AI or other digital editing to alter images. A real estate licensee who uses a digitally altered image (including AI-altered images) in advertising to sell real property must disclose that the image was altered and provide a link, URL, or QR code to the original unaltered image. Routine adjustments like lighting, cropping, and color correction are excluded.
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In effect
OK AI Revenge Porn Law
Oklahoma · Effective 2025-11-01 · Okla. HB 1364, 60th Leg., 1st Sess. (2025), eff. Nov. 1, 2025
Oklahoma makes it a crime to knowingly or recklessly share AI-generated sexually explicit images of another person without their consent and with intent to cause harm. Violations can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances. Exceptions exist for journalism, law enforcement, and platform liability is limited.
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In effect
NV NCII Deepfake Law
Nevada · Effective 2025-10-01 · 2025 Nev. Stat. (SB 213); NRS 200.780
Nevada expanded its intimate-images law to explicitly cover AI-generated and digitally manipulated images — anything that could reasonably be mistaken for a real depiction of the person, whether or not their actual image was used. Knowing distribution is a Category D felony (1–4 years).
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In effect
Montana HB 514 (sextortion deepfakes in privacy crime)
Montana · Effective 2025-10-01 · Mont. HB 514 (2025) (Ch. 686); MCA 45-8-213
Montana expanded its existing 'privacy in communications' crime to cover real or AI-fabricated sexual images. It is now an offense to publish or distribute such images of an identifiable person without consent to harass or harm them or to obtain money, and separately to possess such images and threaten to release them to extort money or other valuables.
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In effect
Ohio AI Fabricated Sexual Images Law
Ohio · Effective 2025-09-30 · ORC § 2917.211 (amended by 2025 Ohio HB 96); ORC § 2307.66
Ohio amended its nonconsensual-image law in September 2025 to expressly cover AI-generated and digitally fabricated sexual images — prohibiting both distributing AND creating them without the depicted person's consent. First offenses are fourth-degree felonies, escalating for repeat offenders. Victims may sue for compensatory and punitive damages plus attorney's fees.
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In effect
AZ Synthetic Intimate Images Law (SB1462)
Arizona · Effective 2025-09-26 · Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 13-1425 (as amended by SB1462, ch. 106, 2025)
Arizona amended its law against the unlawful disclosure of intimate images so that it covers realistic, computer-generated or AI-altered depictions, not just real photographs or recordings. The definition of a covered image now includes a realistic pictorial representation that is made or modified to appear to be an actual identifiable person in a state of nudity or sexual activity that never actually occurred. For computer-generated depictions, the depicted person does not need to have had a reasonable expectation of privacy for the disclosure to be unlawful.
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In effect
ME AI Private Images Law
Maine · Effective 2025-09-24 · Me. LD 1944 / HP 1303 (132nd Leg., 1st Spec. Sess.); P.L. 2025, ch. 400; 17-A M.R.S. § 511-A
Maine expanded its unauthorized-private-images ("revenge porn") crime to explicitly cover artificially generated/AI-made intimate images of real people, and lets people seek protection-from-abuse or harassment orders when someone threatens to release such images. Unauthorized dissemination is a Class D crime (up to one year, $2,000).
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In effect
PA Digital Forgery Law
Pennsylvania · Effective 2025-09-05 · 2025 Pa. Laws Act 35 (SB 649); 18 Pa. C.S. § 4935
Pennsylvania created the crime of 'digital forgery': making a forged AI-generated likeness of someone with intent to defraud or injure is a first-degree misdemeanor, escalating to a third-degree felony for financial fraud — directly targeting AI voice-clone scams like fake grandchild emergency calls. A clear fake-content disclaimer is an affirmative defense.
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In effect
Nebraska LB 383 (AI/computer-generated CSAM)
Nebraska · Effective 2025-09-03 · Neb. Laws 2025, LB 383 (amending Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1463.05)
Nebraska renamed its child pornography statutes the Child Sexual Abuse Material Prevention Act and expanded the definition of illegal material to cover computer-generated and AI-created depictions. An obscene image that depicts a child, a computer-generated person who would appear to a reasonable person to be a child, or a person shown with the physical features of a child now qualifies as child sexual abuse material. The law defines 'computer-generated' to include visual depictions created or altered using a computer, a digital process, or artificial intelligence.
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In effect
TX SB 1621 — AI CSAM Rewrite
Texas · Effective 2025-09-01 · Tex. Penal Code (child sexual abuse material provisions) (SB 1621, 89th Leg., R.S. (2025))
This law rewrites Texas's child sexual abuse material statutes to account for AI and computer-generated imagery. It separately defines a 'depiction of a child' and a 'depiction of a computer-generated child,' and extends the offenses of possessing, electronically transmitting, and promoting such material to cover AI-generated images. It also updates penalty ranges and adds enhanced punishment for repeat offenders and offenders in positions of authority.
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In effect
TX SB 20 — Obscene Material Depicting a Child
Texas · Effective 2025-09-01 · Tex. Penal Code Sec. 43.262 (SB 20, 89th Leg., R.S. (2025))
This law creates a new Texas crime for possessing, accessing with intent to view, promoting, or producing obscene visual material that appears to depict a child under 18 engaged in sexual conduct. It applies whether the depiction is of a real child, a cartoon or animation, or an image generated by AI or other computer software. Using a real child's image to train an AI system to produce such material is also covered. Offenses are felonies, with higher penalties for repeat offenders.
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In effect
TX HB 581 — AI Sexual Material Age Verification
Texas · Effective 2025-09-01 · Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code (artificial sexual material harmful to minors) (HB 581, 89th Leg., R.S. (2025))
This law regulates commercial websites and apps that offer publicly available tools for generating 'artificial sexual material harmful to minors.' Operators must use reasonable age-verification methods to confirm users are at least 18, and must ensure that any real person used as the source of the generated material is also at least 18 and has consented to the use of their face and body. Operators that ignore these duties face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day, rising to as much as $250,000 if a violation results in a minor accessing the material. The law includes safe-harbor protections for operators that adopt qualifying terms of use and take affirmative steps to limit such material.
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In effect
Texas SB 441 (deepfake NCII crime + website/AI-app/payment-processor liability)
Texas · Effective 2025-09-01 · Tex. S.B. 441, 89th Leg., R.S. (2025); amending Tex. Penal Code 21.165 and Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 98B (adding 98B.0021, 98B.0022, 98B.008, 98B.009); eff. Sept. 1, 2025
This Texas law makes it a crime to knowingly create or share, without consent, AI-generated or otherwise manipulated deepfake images that falsely depict a real person with computer-generated intimate parts or engaged in sexual conduct they never performed, and bans threatening to do so. It also lets victims sue the people who made or spread such artificial intimate visual material, and extends that liability to owners of websites, social platforms, AI 'nudification' apps, or payment systems that knowingly or recklessly facilitate the content. Covered websites and apps must offer an easy removal-request tool and can be liable if they fail to take material down within 72 hours of a depicted person's request. Victims may sue using a confidential identity and have up to 10 years to file.
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In effect
Michigan Intimate Deep Fakes Act
Michigan · Effective 2025-08-26 · 2025 Mich. Pub. Acts 10–11 (HB 4047–4048)
Michigan makes it a crime to create or distribute AI-generated sexually explicit images of a real, identifiable person without their consent. First offenses carry up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine; aggravated violations (posting online, extortion, prior conviction) escalate to a felony with up to three years. Victims may also sue for damages, injunctions, and up to $1,000/day for violating a restraining order.
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In effect
ND Sexually Explicit Deepfake Law
North Dakota · Effective 2025-08-01 · 2025 ND HB 1351; NDCC §§ 12.1-27.1-01(13), -03.3
North Dakota makes it a Class A misdemeanor to create, possess, or distribute nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes — including computer-generated intimate imagery. Victims can sue for up to $10,000 in statutory damages plus any profits the offender made.
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In effect
Minnesota HF 2432 (AI-generated CSAM)
Minnesota · Effective 2025-08-01 · Minn. Stat. 617.246; Laws 2025, ch. 35 (HF 2432)
Minnesota expanded its child sexual abuse material law to cover images produced with generative AI. The definition now reaches a visual depiction of someone indistinguishable from an actual minor that is created by feeding prompts into generative AI or similar technology, shows the person engaged in sexual conduct, and is obscene. This closes a gap so that synthetic, AI-generated imagery can be prosecuted under the existing CSAM framework.
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In effect
ND HB 1386 (CSAM laws cover computer-generated/AI images of minors)
North Dakota · Effective 2025-08-01 · N.D. Cent. Code 12.1-27.2-01, 12.1-27.2-04.1; 2025 N.D. Laws (HB 1386)
North Dakota expanded its child sexual abuse material laws to apply to computer-generated images depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. It revised the definition of 'minor' so that it includes a computer-generated image that appears to depict a person under 18. This closes a gap for AI-generated or synthetic imagery, so possessing such material is prohibited even when no real child was depicted.
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In effect
West Virginia SB 198 (criminalizes AI/computer-generated child pornography)
West Virginia · Effective 2025-07-09 · S.B. 198, 2025 Reg. Sess. (W. Va.); W. Va. Code 61-8C-12
West Virginia made it a crime to create, produce, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute computer-generated or AI-generated child pornography, even when no real child was used. The law specifies that it is not a defense that an actual minor does not exist, and treats a depiction that appears to be a person under 18 as covered. Violations carry one to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000.
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In effect
RI Synthetic Intimate Imagery Law
Rhode Island · Effective 2025-07-02 · 2025 RI H5046 / S0136
Rhode Island updated its unauthorized-image ("revenge porn") statute to explicitly criminalize sexually explicit images that were created by a digital device or AI — i.e., synthetic nudes and explicit deepfakes of real people — making nonconsensual creation and distribution a crime. Signed into law July 2, 2025.
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In effect
SD Election Deepfake Law
South Dakota · Effective 2025-07-01 · SD SB 164 (2025); signed Mar. 31, 2025; eff. July 1, 2025
South Dakota requires that intentionally harmful, unlabeled AI deepfakes of politicians distributed within 90 days of an election carry an AI-manipulation disclosure; violators face civil and criminal liability. Broadcasters, newspapers, websites, and radio stations are exempt, as are satire and parody.
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In effect
MD NCII Deepfake Law
Maryland · Effective 2025-07-01 · 2025 Md. Laws Ch. 219 (SB 360); Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-809
Maryland expanded its revenge-porn statute to explicitly cover AI-generated deepfake intimate images — computer-generated likenesses indistinguishable from real persons. Victims get criminal remedies (up to 2 years, $5,000) and a new civil cause of action. Passed 47-0 and 140-0.
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In effect
NE Synthetic NCII Civil Remedy
Nebraska · Effective 2025-05-30 · Neb. LB 371, 109th Leg., 1st Sess. (2025), approved May 30, 2025
Nebraska extended its existing civil remedies act for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images to explicitly cover computer-generated or digitally manipulated depictions, including AI deepfakes. Victims can sue civilly when AI-fabricated intimate imagery is shared without consent. The bill passed 49-0.
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In effect
SC AI CSAM / Deepfake Laws
South Carolina · Effective 2025-05-27 · SC S.28, Act No. 57; SC S.29, Act No. 58 (2025), 126th Gen. Assembly, enacted May 27, 2025
South Carolina enacted two companion laws in May 2025 to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Act 57 (S.28) closes loopholes excluding AI-generated CSAM from existing child exploitation statutes. Act 58 (S.29) creates a new felony offense for 'obscene visual representation of a minor,' covering wholly computer-generated sexual depictions where no real child exists.
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In effect
Montana SB 413 (crime to share explicit deepfakes)
Montana · Effective 2025-05-12 · Mont. SB 413 (2025), Ch. 606; MCA Title 45, ch. 5, part 6
Montana created a new crime for sharing sexually explicit deepfakes (AI-generated or altered images and video) of a real, identifiable person. It is illegal to knowingly disclose such media when you know the person did not consent and that the disclosure would cause them serious emotional distress, to disclose it intending to harass or harm the person, or to possess it and threaten to release it to extort money or other things of value.
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In effect
Arkansas AI CSAM Law
Arkansas · Effective 2025-04-22 · 2025 Ark. Acts 977 (HB 1877), amending Ark. Code Ann. § 5-27-603
Arkansas expressly criminalizes AI-generated CSAM that is indistinguishable from real child imagery — defining 'computer generated' as AI-produced and 'indistinguishable' as imagery a reasonable person would believe depicts an actual child. Limited exemptions for law enforcement and good-faith AI safety testing.
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In effect
Arkansas Deepfake Sexual Content Act
Arkansas · Effective 2025-04-17 · 2025 Ark. Acts 827 (HB 1529)
Arkansas criminalizes creating or distributing deepfake sexual imagery — AI-generated or digitally manipulated images that appear authentic and depict an identifiable person in nudity or sexual conduct without consent. First offense is a Class A misdemeanor, repeats are felonies; victims can sue for punitive damages, and the Attorney General can sue platforms that lack reasonable safeguards against generating this content.
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In effect
NJ Deceptive AI Deepfakes Act
New Jersey · Effective 2025-04-02 · P.L.2025, c.40 (N.J. A3540/S2544)
New Jersey's omnibus deepfake law establishes criminal and civil penalties for producing or distributing deceptive AI audio/video used to facilitate crimes — including sexual exploitation of minors, harassment, extortion, and election interference. Violations are a third-degree crime carrying up to five years and fines up to $30,000, and victims can sue.
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In effect
NH Deepfake Law (HB 1432)
New Hampshire · Effective 2025-01-01 · 2024 NH Laws ch. 243; RSA 638:26-a; RSA 507:8-n
New Hampshire makes it a Class B felony to knowingly create, distribute, or present a deepfake with intent to embarrass, harass, defame, extort, or cause financial or reputational harm — and it was the first state law to create a private right of action specifically for deepfake victims. Satire, parody, and news reporting are exempt.
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In effect
California SB 981 (platforms must let users report & remove deepfake nudes)
California · Effective 2025-01-01 · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code Ch. 22.7 (SB 981, Stats. 2024)
Social media platforms must give California users a clear way to report sexually explicit images or videos of themselves that were created or altered through digitization without their consent. Once reported, the platform must temporarily block the material while it investigates, and remove it if it finds a reasonable basis to believe it is this kind of nonconsensual digital fake. The framing covers synthetic and AI-altered intimate imagery, not just real photos.
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In effect
California SB 926 (crime to create & share realistic fake nudes of real people)
California · Effective 2025-01-01 · Cal. Penal Code 647 (SB 926, Stats. 2024)
California extends its criminal ban on distributing private intimate images to cover digitally fabricated ones. It is now a crime for an adult to intentionally create and distribute a sexually explicit image of an identifiable person made to look authentic, when the distributor knows or should know it will cause that person serious emotional distress and the person in fact suffers that distress. This closes a gap that left realistic AI-generated fakes outside the existing intimate-image law.
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In effect
California AB 1831 (CSAM laws now cover AI-generated/altered material)
California · Effective 2025-01-01 · Cal. Penal Code 311, 311.2, 311.11, 311.12 (AB 1831, Stats. 2024)
California broadens its child pornography statutes so they explicitly cover material that is digitally altered or generated by artificial intelligence. Previously the laws were aimed at depictions made with real children, leaving questions about synthetic imagery. Now matter whose production involves a person under 18, including AI-generated or digitally altered content, falls within the prohibited categories and existing felony exposure.
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In effect
PA Deepfake/CSAM Law (Act 125)
Pennsylvania · Effective 2024-12-28 · 2024 Pa. Laws Act 125 (SB 1213); 18 Pa. C.S. §§ 3131, 6312
Pennsylvania criminalized creating and distributing sexual deepfakes of any person, and classified AI-generated sexual depictions of minors as child sexual abuse material. The Attorney General has already charged people under this law.
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In effect
NC HB 591 (AI CSAM, deepfake intimate images & sextortion)
North Carolina · Effective 2024-12-01 · N.C. Sess. Law 2024-37 (H.B. 591); N.C. Gen. Stat. 14-190.13, 14-202.7, 14-190.5A
North Carolina updated its sex-crime laws so that sexually exploitative images of children count even when they are digital or computer-generated, including depictions built, altered, or modified with technology such as algorithms or artificial intelligence. The law also makes it a crime to use someone's private sexual image, including an AI-generated one, as leverage: threatening to release such an image, or refusing to delete one already released, in order to pressure a person is treated as sexual extortion. It likewise extends the ban on sharing intimate images without consent to AI-generated intimate images.
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In effect
Oklahoma HB 3642 (AI-generated CSAM is a crime)
Oklahoma · Effective 2024-11-01 · 2024 Okla. Sess. Laws, HB 3642 (amending 21 O.S. on obscenity and child pornography)
Oklahoma broadened its child pornography offenses so that they cover sexually explicit images of minors that were generated or altered by a computer, including with artificial intelligence. A depiction can be illegal even if no real child was photographed, as long as it appears to show a minor. The same criminal penalties that apply to traditional child sexual abuse material apply to these synthetic depictions.
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In effect
NY AG
NY · Effective 2024-10-17 · NY AG — Symposium Report on the Next Decade of AI (enforcement priorities) (2024-10-17)
James outlines enforcement priorities: hiring tool bias, GenAI misinformation, deepfakes, ADS. References LL144 precedent; previews state ADS guidance and legislative recommendations.
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In effect
Delaware Election Deepfake Law
Delaware · Effective 2024-10-09 · 2024 DE HB 316; 15 Del. C.
Delaware criminalizes distributing AI-generated deepfakes of candidates or election officials within 90 days of an election with intent to harm or deceive. Basic violations are a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to a Class E felony for repeats; a clear disclosure is a complete safe harbor.
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In effect
Alabama Synthetic Private Images Law
Alabama · Effective 2024-10-01 · 2024 Ala. Acts (HB 161), amending Ala. Code § 13A-6-240
Alabama prohibits the nonconsensual creation or distribution of 'private images,' expressly including AI-altered or synthetically generated depictions of people in nudity or sexual conduct. Both distribution and creation are criminalized.
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In effect
Alabama Election Deepfake Law
Alabama · Effective 2024-10-01 · 2024 Ala. Acts (HB 172)
Alabama criminalizes distributing materially false AI-generated media intended to harm a candidate or mislead voters within 90 days of an election. First violation is a misdemeanor; repeats within five years are felonies. Clearly disclaimed synthetic media is exempt.
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In effect
Alabama Child Protection Act (AI-generated CSAM)
Alabama · Effective 2024-10-01 · Ala. Code Sec. 13A-12-190 et seq.; 2024 Ala. Acts (HB 168)
This law updates Alabama's criminal statutes on child sexual abuse material so that computer-generated and digitally altered images count the same as photographs of real children. It does this by adding 'virtually indistinguishable' depictions to the legal definition of child sexual abuse material, which captures content produced or manipulated by artificial intelligence. Prosecutors no longer have to prove an actual child was depicted when the image is realistic enough to be mistaken for one. The existing felony penalties for possessing or disseminating such material continue to apply.
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In effect
MA Digitized Intimate-Images Law (deepfake NCII)
Massachusetts · Effective 2024-09-18 · Acts of 2024, ch. 118 (H.4744), amending G.L. c. 265, Sec. 43A
Massachusetts's 'An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation' created a criminal offense for distributing nonconsensual intimate images and expressly extended it to 'visual material produced by digitization.' Digitization is defined to include creating or altering visual material — such as through computer-generated images — in a way that would falsely appear to a reasonable person to be an authentic depiction of the person shown. This brings AI-generated and digitally fabricated intimate images within the same prohibition that applies to real photos and videos.
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Blocked / in litigation
AB 2839 (Election Deepfakes)
California · Effective 2024-09-17 · Cal. Elec. Code § 20012 (AB 2839); Kohls v. Bonta, E.D. Cal.
This law banned knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated deepfakes of candidates and election officials in the months around an election. Federal courts blocked it on First Amendment grounds, and it is currently unenforceable.
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In effect
NH Election Deepfake Law
New Hampshire · Effective 2024-08-01 · RSA 664:14-c (2024)
Prohibits distributing AI-generated deepfakes of candidates or election officials within 90 days of an election unless clearly disclosed as AI-manipulated. Depicted candidates can seek injunctions and damages.
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In effect
Louisiana AI Intimate-Image Law (R.S. 14:73.14)
Louisiana · Effective 2024-08-01 · La. R.S. 14:73.14 (2024 Reg. Sess. S.B. 6)
Louisiana makes it a crime to distribute or sell AI-generated images or video that show a recognizable real person nude or in a state of undress, when the person doing so acts with intent to coerce, harass, intimidate, or otherwise maliciously and knows or should know they are not authorized to share or sell the material. Online services, email providers, and telecommunications carriers are generally not liable for content their users post. This is a separate offense from Louisiana's broader 'unlawful deepfakes' statute.
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In effect
Kentucky HB 207 (computer-generated CSAM)
Kentucky · Effective 2024-07-15 · 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 15 (HB 207); KRS 531.010, 531.306, eff. July 15, 2024
Kentucky expanded its child sexual abuse material laws to cover 'computer-generated' images, defined as any visual depiction that has been created, adapted, or modified by a computer to appear to be an identifiable person. Because the depiction only has to appear to be a minor, prosecutors do not have to prove the real identity or age of the child, or that the child actually exists, when the material is a computer-generated image. This squarely reaches AI-generated and deepfake child sexual abuse imagery.
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In effect
Iowa Synthetic Intimate Content Law
Iowa · Effective 2024-07-01 · Iowa HF 2240 (2024)
Iowa criminalizes generating or distributing synthetic images or videos depicting a person in sexual acts or nudity without consent. Violations involving adults are aggravated misdemeanors; involving minors, felonies. Expressly motivated by AI-generated pornographic deepfakes.
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In effect
Iowa AI CSAM Law
Iowa · Effective 2024-07-01 · Iowa SF 2243 (2024), amending Iowa Code § 728
Iowa amended its sexual-exploitation-of-a-minor law to explicitly include depictions 'created, adapted, or modified' by AI to appear to show an identifiable minor in a prohibited act. First offense: Class D felony (up to 5 years); second: Class C felony (up to 10 years). Passed unanimously.
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In effect
MS Deepfake Law
Mississippi · Effective 2024-07-01 · Miss. SB 2577, 2024 Reg. Sess., eff. July 1, 2024; new section to Miss. Code Ann. Title 97, Ch. 13
Mississippi criminalizes the wrongful dissemination of 'digitizations' — defined as deepfakes created using AI, machine learning, or computer-generated means — when done with intent to cause violence, harm, or deter someone from voting. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
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In effect
WY NCII Deepfake Law
Wyoming · Effective 2024-07-01 · Wyo. Stat. § 6-4-306 (2024 ed.), amended by HB0078, 2024 Wyo. Gen. Sess., eff. July 1, 2024
Wyoming's intimate image statute was amended in 2024 to explicitly include computer-generated images that purport to represent an identifiable person, covering AI deepfakes. Nonconsensual dissemination is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
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In effect
Vermont NCII Deepfake Law
Vermont · Effective 2024-07-01 · 2024 VT Acts No. 161; 13 V.S.A. § 2606
Vermont amended its revenge-porn statute to explicitly criminalize nonconsensual disclosure of AI-generated and digitally manipulated sexually explicit images, expanding 'visual image' to include images created or altered by digitization.
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In effect
IN NCII Deepfake Law
Indiana · Effective 2024-07-01 · 2024 Ind. Acts (HEA 1047); I.C. 35-45-4-8
Indiana criminalized creating and sharing AI-generated or digitally modified intimate images without consent, expanding its revenge-porn statute. Distribution is a Class A misdemeanor; repeat or aggravated conduct is a Level 6 felony (up to 30 months, $5,000).
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In effect
Florida Generated CSAM Law (AI-generated)
Florida · Effective 2024-07-01 · Fla. CS/CS/SB 1680 (2024); ch. 2024-118, Laws of Fla.; Fla. Stat. Sec. 827.072
This law extends Florida's child-exploitation statutes to cover computer-generated and AI-generated imagery. It creates a new crime for 'generated child pornography,' defined as any image created, altered, adapted, or modified by electronic or computer-generated means to portray a fictitious person whom a reasonable person would regard as a real child under 18 engaged in sexual conduct. The law makes it a felony to intentionally create such imagery, or to knowingly possess, control, or intentionally view it.
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In effect
GA SB 466 (no 'it's AI' defense for CSAM)
Georgia · Effective 2024-07-01 · Ga. SB 466 (2024); O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-12-100
Georgia's child sexual exploitation law was amended so that a defendant cannot escape liability by arguing the illegal imagery was artificially generated, adapted, or modified rather than a photograph of an actual child. If the material was created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaged in sexually explicit conduct, that is no defense to prosecution. This closes a potential loophole for AI-generated or computer-edited child sexual abuse material.
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In effect
Tennessee HB 2163 (AI-generated child abuse images are illegal 'material')
Tennessee · Effective 2024-07-01 · 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.
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In effect
Virginia SB 731 (AI/computer-generated CSAM covered)
Virginia · Effective 2024-07-01 · Va. Code 18.2-374.1; SB 731 (2024), Va. Acts c. 262
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.
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In effect
HB 919 (AI Political Ad Disclaimers)
Florida · Effective 2024-07-01 · Fla. Stat. § 106.145 (CS/HB 919, 2024)
Florida political ads that use generative AI to depict a real person doing something they never did — with intent to injure a candidate or deceive voters — must carry a clear disclaimer that the content was created with generative AI. Failing to include the disclaimer is a first-degree misdemeanor.
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In effect
Washington HB 1999 (criminalizes AI/fabricated CSAM and nonconsensual fake intimate images)
Washington · Effective 2024-06-06 · Substitute H.B. 1999, Ch. 88, Laws of 2024 (Wash.)
Washington expanded its child sexual abuse material laws to cover fabricated depictions of an identifiable minor, including AI-created images, and created a separate crime for knowingly disclosing a fabricated intimate image of another person when the discloser knows or should know the person did not consent and that disclosure would cause harm. A first disclosure offense is a gross misdemeanor and repeats are a class C felony. Victims may also sue for damages.
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In effect
AZ Election Deepfake Disclosure Law
Arizona · Effective 2024-05-29 · 2024 Ariz. Sess. Laws (SB 1359); A.R.S. tit. 16
Arizona requires creators and sponsors of AI-generated synthetic media in election communications to include a clear disclosure within 90 days before an election. News, satire, and parody are exempt; candidates can seek injunctions.
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In effect
AZ Digital Impersonation Law
Arizona · Effective 2024-05-21 · 2024 Ariz. Sess. Laws (HB 2394); A.R.S. § 13-2006
Any Arizona citizen or candidate can go to court to stop the unconsented publication of a digital impersonation of themselves, and using AI-generated images, voice, or video of another person with intent to defraud or harass is a felony. Passed 57-0.
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In effect
New Mexico Political Deepfake Law
New Mexico · Effective 2024-05-15 · 2024 N.M. Laws (HB 182), amending NMSA 1978 Campaign Reporting Act
New Mexico requires political campaigns to include a prominent disclaimer — 'This has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence' — on any campaign ad containing materially deceptive AI content, and criminalizes distributing materially deceptive political media.
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In effect
Utah H.B. 148 (computer-generated CSAM & intimate images count as illegal)
Utah · Effective 2024-05-01 · Utah Laws 2024, H.B. 148; Utah Code 76-5b-103, 76-5b-203, 76-5b-205
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.
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In effect
Utah H.B. 238 (AI-generated child sexual abuse material is illegal)
Utah · Effective 2024-05-01 · Utah Laws 2024, H.B. 238; Utah Code 76-5b-103(1)(b)(iii)
Utah expanded its definition of child sexual abuse material to capture AI-generated content. The definition now reaches material that is artificially generated and depicts an individual with the substantial characteristics of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This closes a gap where fully synthetic imagery might otherwise escape the statute.
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In effect
New York AIDPA (privacy right covers AI-made likeness & voice)
New York · Effective 2024-04-20 · N.Y. Civil Rights Law 50, 51; L. 2024, ch. 58, pt. MM
New York's long-standing right-of-privacy law bars using a person's name, picture, likeness, or voice for ads or trade without written consent. This amendment made clear that protection also covers a picture, likeness, or voice that was created or altered by AI or other digitization, so AI-generated deepfakes of a person fall under the same rule.
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In effect
WI AI CSAM Law
Wisconsin · Effective 2024-03-28 · 2023 Wis. Act 224 (SB 314); Wis. Stat. § 948.12
Wisconsin criminalized AI-generated and virtual child sexual abuse material — even where no real child was involved. Possession, production, or distribution of AI imagery appearing to depict a minor in sexually explicit conduct is a Class D felony carrying up to 25 years.
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In effect
ID FAIR Elections Act
Idaho · Effective 2024-03-25 · Idaho HB 664, 67th Leg., 2nd Reg. Sess. (2024), signed Mar. 25, 2024
Idaho's FAIR Elections Act requires disclosure when AI-generated synthetic audio or video is used in election campaign materials and prohibits deceptive deepfakes in electioneering communications. Candidates falsely depicted can seek injunctive relief and civil damages.
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In effect
ID Synthetic NCII Law
Idaho · Effective 2024-03-19 · Idaho HB 575, 67th Leg., 2nd Reg. Sess. (2024), signed Mar. 19, 2024
Idaho makes it a crime to knowingly disclose explicit synthetic media — AI-generated or digitally manipulated intimate imagery — of an identifiable person when the person did not consent and disclosure is likely to cause substantial emotional distress. This was Idaho's first law specifically targeting AI-generated revenge porn.
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In effect
MI SOS Deepfake Election Policy
MI · Effective 2024-02-13 · Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.932f, enacted by P.A. 265 of 2023
Michigan's Secretary of State adopted a statewide response plan for AI-generated deepfake election content, coordinating with Michigan Cyber Command and Michigan State Police. Local clerks have standardized procedures for documenting and escalating AI deepfake incidents.
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In effect
Michigan Election Deepfake Law
Michigan · Effective 2024-02-13 · 2023 Mich. Pub. Acts 263–266; MCL 169.259
Michigan requires clear AI-disclosure disclaimers on political ads created substantially with AI, and separately bans distributing materially deceptive media to influence an election within 90 days of a vote. Distributing election deepfakes without disclosure is a felony punishable by up to five years.
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In effect
SD AI CSAM Law
South Dakota · Effective 2024-02-13 · 2024 SD SB 79
South Dakota expanded its child pornography statutes to explicitly cover AI-generated and deepfake sexual imagery involving minors — including fully synthetic images where no real child was used.
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In effect
New York S1042A (bans sharing deepfake intimate images)
New York · Effective 2023-11-28 · N.Y. Penal Law 245.15; L. 2023, ch. 513 (S1042A)
New York made it a crime to share or post fake nude or sexual images of a person without their consent, even when the image was generated or altered by computer (a deepfake), as long as the person shown can be reasonably identified. This brought AI-made intimate images under the state's existing revenge-porn crime.
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In effect
Maryland CSAM Law (computer-generated images)
Maryland · Effective 2023-10-01 · Md. Code, Crim. Law 11-208
Maryland's child sexual abuse material statute reaches not only real photographs of children but also computer-generated images that an ordinary person could not tell apart from an actual, identifiable child under the age of 16. It is a crime to knowingly possess and intentionally retain, or to knowingly access and intentionally view, such material showing a child engaged in sexual conduct. Pure drawings, cartoons, sculptures, and paintings are excluded.
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In effect
TX HB 2700 — AI/Altered CSAM
Texas · Effective 2023-09-01 · Tex. Penal Code (child sexual abuse material provisions) (HB 2700, 88th Leg., R.S. (2023))
This Texas law updates the state's child sexual abuse material (CSAM) statutes so they clearly reach images that have been digitally altered or created with computer software, including generative AI, when the image depicts a real, identifiable child. The point is to close a loophole: even if a sexual image of a child was fabricated or edited rather than photographed, it can still be prosecuted under existing child-pornography offenses. The existing criminal penalties for those offenses continue to apply.
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In effect
TX SB 1361 — Deepfake Intimate Video
Texas · Effective 2023-09-01 · Tex. Penal Code Sec. 21.165 (SB 1361, 88th Leg., R.S. (2023))
This law makes it a crime in Texas to create or share a deepfake video that falsely shows a real person with their intimate parts exposed or engaged in sexual conduct, when that person did not consent. It targets AI-generated or digitally fabricated sexual videos of identifiable people. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor.
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In effect
MN Deepfake Law
Minnesota · Effective 2023-08-01 · 2023 Minn. Laws ch. 58 (HF 1370); Minn. Stat. §§ 617.261, 211B.16
Minnesota criminalized two kinds of AI deepfakes in 2023: nonconsensual intimate deepfakes of anyone, and election deepfakes of candidates distributed within 90 days of an election without consent. Victims of intimate deepfakes can also sue. X Corp. has challenged the election provision in court.
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In effect
LA Unlawful Deepfakes Law
Louisiana · Effective 2023-08-01 · 2023 La. Acts No. 175; La. R.S. 14:73.13
Louisiana's deepfake law carries some of the harshest penalties in the nation: creating or possessing sexual deepfakes of minors brings 5–20 years at hard labor; distributing them brings 10–30 years and up to $50,000. It also criminalizes nonconsensual sexual deepfakes of adults. Prosecutors have already charged people under it.
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In effect
SB 5152 (Election Synthetic Media)
Washington · Effective 2023-07-23 · RCW ch. 42.62 (SB 5152, 2023)
Election ads in Washington that use AI-manipulated or synthetic depictions of candidates must disclose it. Candidates harmed by undisclosed synthetic media can sue for damages and injunctive relief.
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In effect
GA Synthetic NCII Transmission Law
Georgia · Effective 2022-05-02 · O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-11-90
Georgia makes it a crime to electronically send or post a nude or sexually explicit image of an identifiable adult without that person's consent when the purpose is to harass or cause financial harm. The statute expressly reaches a 'falsely created' video or still image, meaning synthetic or deepfake depictions are treated the same as real photographs. Posting such material to certain explicit websites is punished more harshly than other electronic transmission.
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In effect
Wyo. Stat. 6-4-306 (revenge-porn law covers computer-generated images)
Wyoming · Effective 2021-07-01 · Wyo. Stat. Ann. 6-4-306(a)(iii); 2021 Wyo. Sess. Laws (HB0085)
This 2021 Wyoming law makes it a crime for an adult to share someone's intimate image without consent when the person had a reasonable expectation it would stay private. The definition of a covered 'image' expressly includes a 'computer generated image' that purports to represent an identifiable person, so fabricated or digitally generated intimate depictions fall within its scope. The offense is a misdemeanor.
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In effect
HI SB 309 (deepfake intimate-image crime)
Hawaii · Effective 2021-06-23 · Haw. SB 309 (2021), Act 59; HRS Sec. 711-1110.9
Hawaii expanded its first-degree violation-of-privacy crime to cover deepfake-style imagery. It is now an offense to intentionally create or disclose a nude or sexually explicit image or video of a 'composite fictitious person' that includes the recognizable features of a real, identifiable individual so that it appears to show that real person, when done with intent to substantially harm them or as revenge. The crime is a class C felony.
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In effect
AB 602 (Deepfake Intimate Images)
California · Effective 2020-01-01 · Cal. Civ. Code § 1708.86 (AB 602, 2019); Cal. Penal Code § 647(j)(4)
Californians depicted in sexually explicit deepfakes made or shared without their consent can sue the people responsible for damages, including statutory damages and attorney's fees. Criminal liability also exists under separate provisions (SB 926, 2024).
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In effect
Virginia HB 2678 (deepfake nude/explicit images become a crime)
Virginia · Effective 2019-07-01 · Va. Code 18.2-386.2; HB 2678 (2019), Va. Acts cc. 490, 515
Virginia made it a crime to share or sell a fabricated nude or sexually explicit image of a real, identifiable person without their consent. The 2019 amendment covered 'deepfakes' and other doctored media: it no longer matters that the explicit image was synthesized or altered, only that it depicts an actual person who is recognizable. Doing so with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
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In effect
Missouri RSMo 573.010 (computer-generated CSAM)
Missouri · Effective 2006-06-05 · RSMo 573.010 (computer-generated image language added 2006 H.B. 1698)
Missouri's definition of child pornography reaches computer and computer-generated images, not just photographs. It covers a digital or computer-generated image that depicts an actual minor in sexually explicit conduct, as well as an image that is indistinguishable from such a depiction. 'Indistinguishable' means an ordinary person viewing it would conclude it shows an actual minor, so synthetic imagery falls within the definition.
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In effect
Wyo. Stat. 6-4-303 (child-porn definition covers computer-generated images)
Wyoming · Effective 2005-07-01 · Wyo. Stat. Ann. 6-4-303(a)(ii), (b)-(e)
Wyoming's child sexual exploitation crime defines prohibited material to include not just photos and video but also any 'computer or computer-generated image or picture' of a child engaged in explicit sexual conduct. Because the definition reaches images that depict a child or someone virtually indistinguishable from a child, it can cover synthetic or computer-generated depictions even where no specific real child was photographed.
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In effect
MT Election Deepfake Law
Montana · Mont. SB 25, 69th Leg., 2025 Reg. Sess.; enrolled bill: legiscan.com/MT/text/SB25/id/3212547
Montana prohibits unlabeled deepfakes in election and electioneering communications within 60 days of an election. If AI-generated media is labeled as such, it is permitted. Candidates falsely depicted can obtain court injunctions, the Commissioner of Political Practices can investigate and impose fines, and repeat offenders face criminal prosecution.
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Blocked / in litigation
Hawaii Election Deepfake Law (blocked)
Hawaii · 2024 HI Sess. Laws Act 191 (SB 2687); D. Haw. permanent injunction Jan. 30, 2026
Hawaii enacted a law in 2024 prohibiting materially deceptive AI-generated media of candidates near elections — but a federal court permanently enjoined it on January 30, 2026, finding it violated the First Amendment. The law remains on the books but is currently unenforceable.
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In effect
WV Fabricated Intimate Images Law
West Virginia · WV Code § 61-8-28a; WV Code § 55-20
West Virginia's intimate-images law explicitly covers AI-generated 'fabricated intimate images' — images created with AI or computer technology depicting someone's intimate parts. Disclosure or threats to disclose with intent to harass or coerce is a misdemeanor (first offense) and felony for repeats, with civil remedies under a separate uniform act.
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Proposed / pending
Missouri Deepfake & Digital Media Protection Act
Missouri · HB 1887, 103rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2026)
Would make it a felony to share or threaten to share AI-generated or digitally altered intimate depictions of a person without consent, with up to four years imprisonment for a first offense and up to ten years if the depicted person is a minor. Online platforms would be required to establish takedown mechanisms for nonconsensual intimate deepfakes by end of 2026. Social media age-verification and parental-consent requirements for minors under 16 are also included.
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Proposed / pending
Massachusetts AI-CSAM Criminalization Act (Senate)
Massachusetts · S 1174, 194th General Court of Massachusetts (2025-2026)
Would close a gap in Massachusetts law by criminalizing the creation and distribution of sexually explicit images of children that are technologically edited, collaged, morphed, or AI-generated. Massachusetts is one of only five states that has not updated its child pornography statutes to cover AI-generated content. The bill aligns state law with statutes already enacted in 45 other states.
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Proposed / pending
Massachusetts AI-CSAM Criminalization Act (House)
Massachusetts · H 1593, 194th General Court of Massachusetts (2025-2026)
House companion to S 1174. Would update Massachusetts child pornography statutes to criminalize the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images of children that are AI-generated, morphed, or digitally edited. Would bring Massachusetts into alignment with 45 other states that already criminalize AI-generated CSAM under state law.
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Proposed / pending
New York Deepfake Harassment and NCII Civil Action Act
New York · S 6278, New York Legislature, 2025-2026 Session
Would create the new crime of aggravated harassment by electronic or digital communication when a person disseminates a deepfake—a digitally altered image incorporating someone's face or body onto pornographic or lewd content—without consent. Would also establish a private right of action for victims to sue for damages. Assembly companion bill is A 6293.
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Proposed / pending
New York Deepfake Harassment and NCII Civil Action Act (Assembly)
New York · A 6293, New York Legislature, 2025-2026 Session
Assembly companion to S 6278. Would create the new crime of aggravated harassment via deepfake dissemination and establish a private right of action for victims. Addresses digitally altered images incorporating a person's face or identifiable body part onto pornographic, lewd, or violently graphic content distributed without consent.
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Proposed / pending
North Carolina AI Regulatory Reform Act (Deepfake/NCII Provisions)
North Carolina · H 934, North Carolina General Assembly, 2025-2026 Regular Session
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.
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Expired
CA AB 3211 (died)
CA · Cal. AB 3211 (2023-24 Reg. Sess.) — died on suspense
California AB 3211 would have required watermarking and provenance metadata on generative AI outputs from large model providers. Died on the Senate Appropriations suspense file in August 2024.
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Expired
Missouri Taylor Swift Act (SB 1117)
Missouri · SB 1117, 103rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2026)
Would establish civil and criminal liability for creating or sharing nonconsensual intimate digital depictions, including AI-generated deepfakes. Known informally as the 'Taylor Swift Act' following the 2024 viral spread of AI-generated intimate images of the artist. Felony charges apply for first offenses, with enhanced penalties when the depicted person is a minor.
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Expired
Alaska AI-CSAM and Deepfake Criminalization Act
Alaska · HB 47, 34th Alaska Legislature (2025-2026)
Would create new Class B felony offenses for distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material, upgradeable to Class A felony for repeat offenders, and a Class C felony for possession, while removing the statute of limitations for CSAM distribution charges. Would levy civil penalties of up to $1 million per instance against AI organizations that enable users to create AI-generated CSAM. Also establishes a Class A misdemeanor for harassing or threatening someone using a digitally forged likeness.