Pennsylvania Criminalizes Deepfake and AI Impersonation Offenses

In a decisive move to curb AI misuse, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Senate Bill 649 into law. It criminalizes nonconsensual AI impersonation and deepfake activity. 

The law takes effect immediately and penalizes unauthorized digital impersonation as a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalty escalates to a third-degree felony if there are fraudulent intentions.

The law was signed on July 7 and technically establishes deepfakes as so-called digital forgeries, one of the most powerful state-level reactions to the growing fear of AI-assisted deceptions. The bill passed unanimously in the State Senate and by an overwhelming majority in the House, demonstrating a bipartisan urgency nationally to regulate the potentially harmful uses of artificial intelligence.

With the legislation of this bill, the governor emphasized during the announcement, “We are making it clear that, when using AI to commit fraud or exploit Pennsylvanians, you will face the consequences of your actions.”

The bill is introduced as the number of cases involving deepfake-driven fraud, identity spoofing, and reputation destruction through AI audio and video continues to grow. The decision aligns with a broader trend in the U.S. to incorporate a legislation for non digitals as well.

In light of the increasing availability of synthetic media, which appears increasingly realistic, states such as Pennsylvania are undertaking preventive measures to protect their citizens. These measures also aim to strengthen digital integrity and close legal loopholes that nefarious agents could exploit.