HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) applauds this week’s final unanimous passage by the Pennsylvania General Assembly of legislation to combat “deepfake porn” images of non-consenting adults and minors generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Senate Bill 1213 is now under consideration by the governor to be signed into law.

Mackenzie was the prime sponsor of a companion bill in the House of Representatives (House Bill 1063).

“While the unauthorized dissemination of an intimate image is already against the law in Pennsylvania, it was unclear whether the sharing of an intimate AI-generated image of a non-consenting adult is prohibited. This legislation makes that important change in the law. It also prohibits the use of deepfake technology to create child pornography,” said Mackenzie. “This is commonsense legislation that helps to protect individuals from becoming victims of this growing, high-tech crime which causes considerable harm.”

Senate Bill 1213 adds new specifications to three different existing offenses related to the possession and dissemination of sexual abuse materials, including images or depictions which were generated using AI or photo editing software. The new offenses range from a summary offense to a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs