Pennsylvania House Bill HB1373

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/12/23
• Refer: 6/12/23

Caption

In forgery and fraudulent practices, providing for the offense of unauthorized dissemination of artificially generated impersonation of individual.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1373 would establish legal repercussions for individuals who disseminate such impersonations without consent, classifying them as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the intent to defraud or harm another person. This creates a framework for victims of such acts to seek legal recourse, enhancing the protective measures against emerging forms of digital fraud. The new law could have significant ramifications for the use of AI tools and services, placing restrictions on how digital content is created and shared, particularly in terms of consent and representation rights within Pennsylvania.

Summary

House Bill 1373 aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the unauthorized dissemination of artificially generated impersonations of individuals. The bill specifically amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, introducing a new offense related to the dissemination of visual or auditory representations that are not genuinely produced but instead generated by artificial systems. This legislation is a response to the advancements in technology that allow for the creation of realistic deepfakes, which have implications for privacy, security, and misinformation in the digital age.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1373 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers and advocacy groups concerned with privacy and digital integrity. Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary step to safeguard individuals from the potential dangers posed by deepfakes and unauthorized representations, which can undermine personal reputation and trust in digital environments. However, there are concerns regarding the balance between regulation and freedom of expression that may arise from strict enforcement of this bill, with some fearing that it may lead to overreach in controlling digital content.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the definitions of what constitutes 'artificially generated impersonation' and the potential for misuse of the legislation against legitimate content creation. Critics may argue that the vagueness of terms like 'artificial intelligence' and 'impersonation' could lead to uncertainties in enforcement and may inadvertently infringe upon artistic or satirical expressions that utilize AI. The bill's framing may require ongoing discussions and possible amendments to clarify these definitions and safeguard against unintended consequences while still effectively addressing the intended issues.