New York Bans Deepfake Revenge Porn Distribution as AI Use Grows

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Friday signed into law legislation banning the dissemination of pornographic images made with artificial intelligence without the consent of the subject.

Supporters contend the new law will address new forms of harassment enabled by AI tools that make it relatively easy to realistically add someone’s face to another person’s body. The measure is the latest attempt by state governments aimed at online abuses through emerging technologies.

“The weaponization of these ‘deepfakes’ against young women is extremely concerning,” according to a legislative memo for the bill. “It is important we update the penal law to keep pace with advancements in technology.”

Violators face up to a year in jail for a violation with the legislation also granting victims a private right of action to sue in civil court.

Both legislative chambers passed the bill unanimously before adjourning for the year in June.

At least 46 states have banned the spread of revenge porn—including New York in 2019—as of 2021 when a report by the MIT Technology Review found that non-consensual images made up a majority of faked pornography online.

New York joins states like California and Virginia in restricting such images at a time of growing concerns about the collateral effects of such online abuse.

“As this technology improves, these ‘deepfakes’ appear more realistic and it becomes nearly impossible to depict what is a real image and what is doctored,” read the bill memo.