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Bill > SB815

WI SB815

WI SB815
Synthetic digital representations and providing a penalty.

summary

Introduced
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, it is generally a Class I felony to capture or distribute representations depicting nudity without the consent of the person depicted. This bill provides criminal penalties to any person who creates and distributes what are commonly known as “deepfakes.” This bill provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor to create and post, publish, distribute, or exhibit a synthetic digital representation with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate any individual or a Class I felony to do so with intent to defraud, coerce, or intimidate any individual for monetary gain. This bill defines a “synthetic digital representation” as a visual or audio representation to which all of the following apply: 1. It was generated, altered, or otherwise manipulated using technological means. 2. It uses an individual’s recognizable personal characteristic. 3. It would appear to a reasonable observer to be an authentic representation of an individual’s speech, conduct, or likeness. 4. It was generated, altered, or otherwise manipulated without the consent of the individual depicted in the representation. LRB-4562/2 MJW:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 815 Under current law, a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to nine months, or both, and a Class I felony is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to three years and six months, or both. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report.

AI Summary

This bill creates new criminal penalties for the creation and distribution of "synthetic digital representations," commonly known as deepfakes, which are technologically generated or altered visual or audio depictions that use an individual's recognizable personal characteristics (like their face, voice, or likeness) and would appear authentic to a reasonable observer, all without the depicted individual's consent. Specifically, it establishes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to nine months in jail and/or a $10,000 fine, for creating and distributing such representations with the intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate someone. A more severe penalty, a Class I felony, carrying up to three years and six months in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, is imposed if the intent is to defraud, coerce, or intimidate for monetary gain. The bill also clarifies that these penalties do not apply to technology providers, certain internet service providers, or individuals who publish or distribute newsworthy content or content that is clearly labeled as AI-generated with specific disclaimers, or to law enforcement officers acting in their official duties. Furthermore, this new crime of creating synthetic digital representations is added to the list of activities considered "racketeering activity" and to the types of conduct that can be the basis for a civil lawsuit for invasion of privacy.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (21)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety (on 01/14/2026)
(1 Companion Bills)

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