Bill > SB441

This bill addresses the creation, distribution, and handling of deep fake media and artificial intimate visual material, primarily focusing on protecting individuals from non-consensual sexually explicit digital content. The legislation expands existing laws to criminalize the production and distribution of digitally manipulated images or videos that depict a person engaging in sexual conduct or with exposed intimate parts without their consent, using technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other computer-generated means. The bill defines key terms such as "deep fake media" and "visual depiction" and establishes graduated criminal penalties, with offenses ranging from Class B misdemeanors to third-degree felonies depending on factors like prior convictions or the age of the depicted person. Additionally, the bill creates civil liability provisions that allow victims to seek damages from individuals or platforms that produce, distribute, or fail to remove such content, and includes provisions for confidential legal proceedings to protect the identity of victims. The legislation also mandates that consent must be explicit, written, and in plain language, and provides some protections for technology providers who take proactive steps to prevent the creation of harmful deep fake content. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to offenses committed on or after that date.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB441