Pennsylvania House Bill HB1063

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/23
• Refer: 4/28/23

Caption

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of artificially generated depiction; and, in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1063 would extend the criminalization of sexual offenses against children to cover new forms of digitally created content. Specifically, it introduces penalties for individuals who disseminate or possess artificially generated images that resemble minors engaged in prohibited sexual acts. This measure seeks to account for the evolving landscape of sexual offenses in the digital age, where the risk of exploitation through artificial means is growing. The bill would align state law with the need to address contemporary challenges in safeguarding minors from exploitation, thus potentially broadening authorities' ability to prosecute offenders in this area.

Summary

House Bill 1063 aims to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to include provisions addressing the unlawful dissemination of artificially generated depictions, particularly those involving minors. The bill establishes new offenses related to the creation and distribution of synthetic images that depict minors engaged in sexual conduct and outlines penalties for such actions. It reinforces the importance of protecting children from exploitation in light of rapid technological advances in digital media, including artificial intelligence and photo editing software.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1063 appears to be largely supportive among child advocacy groups and legislators focused on child protection. Proponents argue that the inclusion of artificially generated depictions in sexual offense laws is imperative to closing legal loopholes that may allow exploitation through digital manipulation. However, there may be concerns raised about the practicality of enforcing such laws and ensuring that legitimate use of digital content is not hindered, prompting discussions about the balance between safety and freedom of expression in the digital realm.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported for its protective intentions, there are notable points of contention regarding the definition of 'artificially generated depiction' and the implications for creative and artistic expression. Critics may argue that the broad application of such definitions could lead to unintended consequences for content creators who use artificial intelligence and photo editing as part of their legitimate work. Ensuring clarity and precision in how the law defines these terms will be essential to avoid civil liberties overreach while still protecting the welfare of minors.