Urges Congress to enact "Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act."
If passed, the resolution would call for legislation that criminalizes the intentional disclosure or threats of disclosing digitally altered representations of individuals engaged in sexually explicit conduct. H.R. 3106, the proposed federal law, aims to fill gaps in the current legal framework and provide victims with a right to seek legal redress for the harms caused by deepfakes. This would signify an important step in protecting individual privacy rights in the digital age, especially in light of recent incidents—such as those occurring at Westfield High School in New Jersey—where the manipulation and distribution of non-consensual pornographic images have drawn public outcry and legal scrutiny.
Assembly Resolution No. 129 urges Congress to enact the "Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act." The bill addresses the growing issue of deepfake technology, which is increasingly used to create manipulated digital representations of individuals—often for pornographic purposes without the consent of those depicted. This resolution emphasizes the detrimental impacts that such digital forgeries can have on victims, leading to significant emotional, psychological, and reputational harm. As highlighted in the resolution, there is an alarming rise in deepfake child pornography as well, exacerbating concerns about the safety and protection of minors in digital spaces.
While the bill has garnered significant support, it may face contention related to free speech and the implications of regulating digital content. Critics might argue about the potential for misapplication or overreach concerning what constitutes a deepfake versus legitimate digital expression. Moreover, the enforcement mechanisms and definitions provided in the proposed legislation, such as consent and digital depiction, may also be points of debate as they could influence both the protection of victims and the rights of individuals to create and share digital content.