USA: SB 2117 ILLINOIS

1. Overview

Illinois Senate Bill 2117 (SB 2117) of 2025 establishes the Generative AI and Natural Language Processing Task force. Its principal purpose is to assess and recommend policies regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by state agencies, with deepfakes in mind as well.

2. Scope of the Law

SB 2117 aims at the acquisition, deployment, and use of generative AI systems by Illinois’ state agencies. Even though it does not directly criminalize deepfakes, it asks the Task Force to evaluate and recommend policies in connection with the use of generative AI, including tools capable of making deepfakes. The law addresses state agencies and does not limit private citizens or entities. Exceptions or special treatment for satire, journalism, or research on AI are not mentioned in this law.

3. Key Provisions

• Task Force Responsibilities: The Task Force has the responsibility to recommend policies and procedures concerning the procurement, deployment, and usage by state agencies of systems that incorporate generative artificial intelligence.
• Recommend policies and Procedures: Concerning state agency uses of generative artificial intelligence that are required to be prohibited. Protecting civil rights and civil liberties of citizens and consumers with regard to generative artificial intelligence (Illinois General Assembly).
• Reporting Requirements: The Task Force shall, on December 31, 2024, report to the Governor and the General Assembly about its inquiry and responsibilities. An addendum to said report shall be filed by December 31, 2026 (LegiScan)

4. Penalties & Enforcement

SB 2117 does not enact specific penalties or enforcement action on deepfake manufacture and distribution. It focuses on the internal review and policy recommendation processes of the state agencies. Application of any subsequent policy or regulation recommended by the Task Force would be subject to obeying legislative enactments.

5. Key Cases or Precedents

At the moment, no major cases or case precedents are immediately related to SB 2117 because it was first introduced and aimed at policy-making rather than implementation.

6. Comparison to Global Standards

SB 2117 is a preemptive bill, focused on the study and recommendation of state agencies’ policies regarding generative AI. Unlike the European Union’s AI Act that imposes binding requirements on AI uses, SB 2117 neither establishes enforceable standards but only sets the stage for future legislations.

7. Practical Implications

For creators, victims, or platforms seeking deepfakes, SB 2117 does not presently make them directly liable or provide avenues for reporting offenses. However, the Task Force’s suggestions in the future can possibly shape law on producing and sharing AI-generated content in Illinois.

8. Future Outlook

The establishment of the Task Force by SB 2117 demonstrates Illinois’s initiative to proactively address the threats posed by generative AI technologies like deepfakes. The forthcoming reports and recommendations can lead to the establishment of specific regulations or amendments against abusing such technologies.