KINGSTON- State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D, Saugerties) is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign legislation she sponsors that would make it unlawful to disseminate artificial intelligence or digitally-generated pornographic media or “deepfakes” of a person without their consent.
“In a rapidly advancing digital world, anyone can be the target of deepfake abuse, and our State laws need to keep up with these advancements to protect people against this violation and send a clear message that the disturbing trend of non-consensual fake intimate images online will not be tolerated here in New York,” said Hinchey.
Deepfake pornography is fictitious, sexually explicit imagery or video using a person’s likeness, created using computer technology and often with malicious intent. According to a release from Hinchey’s office, most often women and children are victims of these deepfakes.
Earlier this year, both the State Senate and Assembly passed the bill unanimously. If signed into law, violators would face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and victims would be entitled to pursue a private right of action against perpetrators.
Governor Hochul has until the end of the year to sign or veto the legislation.
