Georgia House Bill HB1361

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/24
• Report Pass: 2/27/24
• Engrossed: 2/29/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Report Pass: 3/20/24

Caption

Crimes and offenses; distribution of computer generated obscene material depicting a child; prohibit

Impact

The introduction of HB 1361 marks a significant shift in the existing legal framework surrounding cyber offenses and child safety regulations. Its enactment would amend Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and replace prior laws regarding the distribution of obscene material. Additionally, the new provisions targeting doxing aim to address emerging concerns regarding privacy and safety of individuals online, reflecting an increasing trend to modernize laws to tackle technology-driven crimes.

Summary

House Bill 1361 addresses the distribution of computer-generated obscene material depicting a child and sets forth penalties for offenses such as doxing and aggravated doxing. The bill prohibits the creation and dissemination of any visual media that appears to be a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct, if generated by artificial intelligence. This legislation aims to strengthen child protection laws by making it a felony to create or distribute such materials, subjecting offenders to severe judicial consequences including imprisonment ranging from one to fifteen years.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1361 is largely supportive among lawmakers who view it as a necessary step to safeguard children and address the growing concerns over online privacy. Advocates emphasize the importance of protecting minors from exploitation through technology. However, there are also discussions relating to potential implications for freedom of expression, as some express concerns that overly stringent laws could inadvertently suppress legitimate forms of speech or artistic expression.

Contention

A notable point of contention involves the definitions provided in the bill surrounding artificial intelligence and its implications on creative content. Critics may argue that the bill's approach to regulating AI-generated materials may require further clarification to prevent challenges regarding constitutional rights around free speech. Moreover, as the bill addresses doxing, there may be concerns pertaining to the balance between enforcing privacy protections and allowing for lawful dissemination of information, particularly in cases of journalism or public interest matters.