Bill > SB1156

This bill establishes a new criminal offense in Hawaii related to deepfake technology, specifically targeting the non-consensual creation and distribution of sexually explicit digital media. The law defines a "deepfake" as any audio or visual media electronically created or altered to falsely appear to be an authentic record of an individual's speech or conduct. Under the proposed legislation, it would be a misdemeanor to knowingly create or distribute a deepfake depicting an individual nude or engaged in sexual conduct without their consent. The bill includes important exceptions to protect First Amendment rights and excludes deepfakes that are political commentary, satire, parody, or have clear disclosures indicating the media is not a real event. The definition of "sexual conduct" is comprehensive, covering a wide range of intimate acts. Notably, the bill provides nuanced language about what constitutes distribution and allows for minor alterations of deepfakes without triggering legal liability, as long as the original context and disclosures remain intact. The law would take effect immediately upon approval, providing a legal framework to address the potential harm caused by non-consensual deepfake pornography.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1156&year=2025