Bill > HB185

This bill updates Ohio law to enhance protections for individuals' personal rights and regulate the creation and distribution of deepfake recordings. The legislation expands the definition of "persona" to include an individual's name, voice, signature, photograph, image, likeness, or distinctive appearance, removing the previous requirement that these aspects have commercial value. It establishes comprehensive rules for using an individual's persona, with specific consent requirements and time limitations. The bill introduces a new chapter addressing deepfake recordings, defining them as electronic media falsely depicting an individual's speech or conduct. It prohibits creating or distributing malicious deepfake recordings without the depicted individual's written consent, with exceptions for clear parodies, fictional works, or recordings with prominent disclaimers. The legislation provides legal remedies for individuals harmed by unauthorized deepfakes, including civil actions that can result in damages ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, potential punitive damages, and court-ordered removal of the offensive content. Additionally, the bill modifies existing extortion laws to specifically address threats involving deepfake recordings, creating criminal penalties for those who use such technology to manipulate or threaten others. The overall aim is to protect individuals from unauthorized and potentially harmful uses of their personal image and digital representations.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb185