The US is taking a bold stance against the dubious realm of deepfake pornography, stirred by a scandal in a New Jersey high school where young perpetrators used AI to create and distribute non-consensual fake nude images of their classmates. It seems the legislative cavalry is charging forth, with Rep. Joseph Morelle unfurling the “Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act,” aimed at dissuading the dissemination of disturbing deepfake creations.
This proposed law spells trouble for anyone sharing deepfake pornography without consent, with potential penalties soaring to a whopping $150,000 and imprisonment up to a decade if the images are connected with violence or government disturbances. The bill also includes provisions for civil lawsuits, giving victims a path to pursue justice. Rep. Tom Kean emphasized the need for AI companies to abide by ethical guardrails and transparency. Morelle’s impassioned drive found further impetus from the haunting experiences of the Mani family, who valiantly championed the cause after their daughter became embroiled in the harrowing incident.
Morelle is resuscitating the legislation after its prior languid reception in the House, buoyed by heightened support following a sobering House Oversight subcommittee hearing. This gathering sounded alarm bells, highlighting the predominant malicious usage targeting women and the formidable challenge of detecting the authenticity of these digital chameleons. But fret not, for help seems to be on the horizon, with endeavors afoot to fortify deepfake detection tools through increased funding for DARPA and the National Science Foundation.
Biden has thrown his weight behind solutions like watermarking deepfakes, charting a course towards a safer AI landscape. Morelle remains resolute in his mission, mindful that young women like Francesca have become unwilling pawns in this digital brinkmanship. As for Francesca and her steadfast mom, they vow to amplify their voices in this crusade for a world where safety isn’t just a wish but an unassailable reality.