STATEHOUSE (Jan. 10, 2024) – The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on Wednesday unanimously advanced State Rep. Sharon Negele's (R-Attica) legislation that would make it a crime to create or share intimate images that are generated using artificial intelligence without the victim's knowledge.
Negele, a member of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, said the growth of fake, AI-generated intimate images of individuals, mostly women and children, are being circulated online, which she said could wreak havoc on victims' personal, academic and professional life. For example, reports surfaced in November of New Jersey high school students using AI to digitally alter real photographs of their underage female classmates to make pornographic images, and then circulating the photos in group texts.
"As a parent and grandparent, I'm incredibly concerned that someone with sinister intentions could use AI to turn benign social media images, especially of children, into embarrassing and horrifying content," Negele said. "These lifelike fakes can be impossible to detect and stop once shared. We have to update our laws as this technology advances and crack down on bad actors who victimize innocent adults and minors. I hope this legislation sends a strong and clear message that this exploitive behavior will not be tolerated."
Negele said House Bill 1047 would expand the state's definition of intimate images to include unauthorized and undisclosed images generated or altered using AI. This policy change would make creating or distributing these images a Class A misdemeanor or Level 6 felony, punishable by a prison term of up to 30 months.
During the summer of 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public warning about malicious actors creating AI-generated content to target victims. According to the FBI, it continues to receive reports from victims, including minor children and non-consenting adults, whose photos or videos were altered into explicit content. The photos or videos are then publicly circulated on social media or pornographic websites, for the purpose of harassing victims or sextortion schemes.
House Bill 1047 now heads to the Indiana House of Representatives for consideration. To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov. Several states including New York, Minnesota and Texas have passed similar laws to Negele's proposal.
The FBI offers several tips when sharing content or engaging with individuals online, including applying privacy settings on social media accounts like setting profiles and your friends lists as private to limit the public exposure of your photos, videos and other personal information. The agency also recommends monitoring children's online activity and discuss risks associated with sharing personal content, and using discretion when posting images, videos and personal content online, particularly those that include children or their information.
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State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) (standing) during a House Courts and Criminal Code Committee hearing presents her legislative proposal to combat AI-created intimate images and protect victims Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at the Statehouse. After receiving unanimous committee support, Negele's legislation advances to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.
