West Montgomery Times

Legislation aimed at addressing the rise of AI-generated deepfake images of minors is set to become law in Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Senators Tracy Pennycuick, Jimmy Dillon, and Lisa Boscola, Senate Bill 1213 has received final legislative approval.

The bill targets the creation and distribution of AI-generated deepfake sexual images involving children and non-consenting adults. Current Pennsylvania law prohibits sharing intimate images without consent but does not specifically address AI deepfakes. This new legislation seeks to close that gap.

Senate Bill 1213 also aims to prevent the use of AI in generating child sexual abuse material, a practice not currently banned under existing laws. The changes will empower law enforcement to prosecute those involved in creating or spreading such materials.

"AI technology can be used for good or evil, and Pennsylvania needs a law to target depraved people who use it to create sexual images of people who did not give their consent, along with child sexual abuse materials," stated Senator Pennycuick. "This bipartisan legislation sends the message that this insidious use of AI will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania."

A recent investigation in Lancaster County highlighted the issue when police looked into cases involving over 20 female teenage students whose faces were used in artificially generated nude photos. The district attorney noted difficulties in filing charges as the images did not involve actual children. Senate Bill 1213 addresses this loophole.

“With the passage of Senate Bill 1213, we are one step closer to protecting Pennsylvanians—especially our children—from the harmful misuse of AI technology,” said Senator Dillon. “This bill addresses a gap in our laws, ensuring that AI-generated sexual images without consent are treated as serious violations.”

Senator Boscola praised the bipartisan effort: “I applaud the bipartisanship that got this bill across the finish line. In passing this legislation, we have taken a big leap forward in stemming the use of AI technology for exploitive, vile ends.”

After initial passage by the Senate and amendments by the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 1213 has now received final approval from both chambers and awaits signing into law by the governor.