Bill > HB663

This bill creates a new civil legal remedy for individuals who have been subjected to sexually explicit deepfake images or videos that are indistinguishable from real footage. Specifically, the bill allows a person to file a defamation lawsuit against someone who distributes a computer-generated visual representation that falsely depicts them with exposed intimate parts or engaged in sexual activity. The bill defines "indistinguishable" as an image so realistic that an ordinary person would believe it is a genuine representation of the individual, which includes computer-generated images that have been manipulated to appear authentic. The legislation explicitly excludes artistic representations like drawings, cartoons, sculptures, and paintings from this definition. If successful in such a lawsuit, a plaintiff may be awarded punitive damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief to stop further distribution of the offensive material. The bill amends both the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article and the Criminal Law Article, expanding legal protections against non-consensual intimate imagery, particularly those created using advanced digital manipulation technologies like deepfakes. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a clear legal framework for addressing this emerging form of digital harassment and potential harm.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0663?ys=2025RS