Somerset Times

Yesterday, Congressmen Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act in Washington, DC. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish criminal and civil penalties for individuals who create and distribute non-consensual deepfakes on social media.

"Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than the necessary guardrails, making it easier for deepfake technology to be used explicitly and disruptively," said Congressman Kean. "One victim of deepfake pornography is one too many. We must ensure there are serious consequences for the perpetrators. Addressing AI is a bipartisan issue, and I am proud to co-lead this bill with Congressman Morelle and look forward to working together to get it across the finish line—protecting young girls, women, and all victims of deepfakes."

Congressman Joe Morelle highlighted the impact of AI-generated deepfakes: "AI-generated deepfakes have created a disturbing new avenue for harassment, abuse, and misinformation—causing real-world harm with devastating consequences. Women are disproportionately targeted by this technology, yet there are too few protections in place to defend them from exploitation." He added that he is proud to reintroduce the legislation alongside Rep. Kean.

Deepfakes involve digitally altered images where an individual's likeness is mapped onto another's photo or video. A 2023 study revealed that 98 percent of online deepfake videos were pornographic, with 99 percent targeting women. Despite being fake, these videos have significant real-world impacts.

The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act seeks to prohibit non-consensual disclosure of digitally altered intimate images by making such sharing a criminal offense. It also proposes creating a private right of action for victims seeking relief while ensuring consent for image creation does not imply consent for sharing or disclosure. Additionally, it aims to provide protections preserving plaintiff anonymity in civil actions.