New Jersey Outlaw the Deepfakes with Tough Penalties

New Jersey has brought an increasing number of states together and ruled out deepfakes by introducing new legislation banning the creation and dissemination of false AI-created content. This bill was signed by Governor Phil Murphy, setting strict civil and criminal penalties for those who were involved in generating and spreading deepfakes. Penalties can increase due to the misuse of fake media is misused in illegal activities, such as, for online harassment, a $30,000 fine, with 5 years of imprisonment. 

A disturbing case—-where a New Jersey high school student experienced the dangerous AI-generated deepfakes creation spread by classmates, triggered by law. Legislators had previously vetoed the bill in the earlier part of the year, but they voted for it overwhelmingly after amending it to address constitutional issues.

The legislation follows a larger trend, as 27 states now have laws in place to fight abusive deepfakes, particularly those that target individuals or disrupt election campaigns. By setting strict fines for the misuse of AI-driven media, the law has a purpose to reduce criminal activities and secure people from the danger of such technologies. This move underscores the importance of responsible use of AI and safeguarding media integrity.