The Michigan House recently passed a bill banning the creation and distribution of nonconsensual “deep fake” pornography. The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support, aims to protect individuals from having their likeness used in explicit videos without their consent.
Authored by Rep. Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Twp.), the bill would make it illegal to create, possess, or distribute sexually explicit deep fakes of someone without their consent. Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Deep fake technology has become increasingly sophisticated, allowing users to create realistic videos by superimposing someone’s face onto another person’s body. This has raised concerns about the potential for exploitation and harm, particularly in the realm of revenge porn.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect individuals from having their reputation and privacy violated through the dissemination of fake explicit videos. They believe that such legislation is important in combating the growing threat of deep fake pornography.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential First Amendment issues, arguing that the legislation could infringe on free speech rights. They also question the feasibility of enforcing a ban on deep fake pornography, given the widespread use of the technology.
The bill will now move to the Michigan Senate for further consideration. If passed into law, Michigan would join several other states that have enacted similar measures to address the issue of nonconsensual deep fake pornography.
Overall, the passage of this bill represents a significant step towards protecting individuals from the harmful effects of deep fake technology and ensuring their right to privacy and dignity.
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