Lehigh Times

State Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) has introduced legislation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aimed at combating deepfake sexual exploitation. This form of exploitation involves the malicious manipulation of innocent photos or videos to target victims online, including children. Unscrupulous individuals are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create pornographic images of individuals without their knowledge or consent.

Last year, several female students at a New Jersey high school fell victim to this disturbing trend. A classmate used their photos to create fake pornographic images, which garnered national media attention. This incident prompted New Jersey state lawmakers to take action and work on legislation to address "deepfake porn."

While the unauthorized dissemination of intimate images is already unlawful in Pennsylvania under the state's "revenge porn" law, it remains unclear whether the use of deepfake technology to circulate non-consenting AI-generated sexual images is explicitly prohibited. Representative Mackenzie's proposed legislation, House Bill 1063, seeks to rectify this ambiguity.

The bill aims to make it illegal to use AI technology to create pornographic images without another person's consent. It also seeks to prohibit the use of AI technology to create deepfake child pornography. Offenders would face first-degree misdemeanor charges if the individual depicted is a minor and second-degree misdemeanor charges if the victim is an adult.

"This is commonsense legislation that would help protect individuals in Pennsylvania from becoming victims of this growing, high-tech crime which causes considerable harm to individuals," said Representative Mackenzie.

The legislation's primary goal is to ensure that deepfake sexual exploitation is unequivocally against the law in Pennsylvania. By implementing these legal measures, the state aims to take a proactive stance in protecting its residents from this form of cyber exploitation.

In a statement, Representative Mackenzie emphasized the importance of standing up for the victims of this heinous crime. "We should be doing more to stand up for victims of this horrible crime," he said.

The proposed legislation is a significant step towards combatting deepfake sexual exploitation and safeguarding the well-being of Pennsylvania's residents. It is a clear demonstration of the state's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by this rapidly evolving technology.

For media inquiries, please contact Andy Briggs at 717-260-6474 or via email at abriggs@pahousegop.com. More information can be found on Representative Mackenzie's website, RepMackenzie.com, and his Facebook page, Facebook.com/RepMackenzie.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.repmackenzie.com/News/33367/Editorials/Combating-Deepfake-Sexual-Exploitation-