Bill
Bill > S1159
NJ S1159
NJ S1159Prohibits deepfake pornography and imposes criminal and civil penalties for non-consensual disclosure.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the emerging technological phenomenon of sexually "deceptive audio or visual media," commonly known as "deepfakes." Unlike older forms of audio or visual manipulation, the creator of a deepfake uses newer technology such as artificial intelligence with the intent of making it appear, as realistically as possible, that the person being depicted has engaged in activity that did not actually occur. Deepfakes have been intentionally used to embarrass or harass a person, or to cast that person in a false light. When the person being depicted is a child, deepfake technology has the potential to create realistic pornography involving the child. The penalty for non-consensual disclosure of deceptive audio or visual media is the same as for non-consensual disclosure of so-called "revenge porn" under the invasion of privacy statute, which under current law is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The penalty for deceptive audio or visual media depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child is the same as for distributing, possessing, or storing child pornography, which under current law is a crime of the second degree for less than 1,000 items and a crime of the first degree for 1,000 or more items. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the first degree is punishable by 10 to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. The person depicted in the non-consensual disclosure may also bring a civil action in the Superior Court for invasion of privacy.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the creation and distribution of "deceptive audio or visual media," commonly known as deepfakes, which are realistic but fabricated audio or visual content created using advanced technology like artificial intelligence to make it appear someone engaged in activity they did not. The bill amends existing laws to establish criminal penalties for the non-consensual disclosure of such media, with penalties mirroring those for "revenge porn" (a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $15,000). For deepfakes depicting child sexual exploitation or abuse, the penalties are more severe, aligning with existing laws for child pornography, ranging from a second-degree crime (five to ten years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $150,000) for fewer than 1,000 items to a first-degree crime (10 to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $200,000) for 1,000 or more items. Additionally, individuals depicted in non-consensual deepfakes can pursue civil action for invasion of privacy, seeking damages, punitive damages, and legal costs.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1159 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1159_I1.HTM |
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