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Bill > A1359


NJ A1359

NJ A1359
Prohibits deepfake pornography and imposes criminal and civil penalties for non-consensual disclosure.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
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. This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.

AI Summary

This bill, pre-filed for the 2026-2027 legislative session, aims to combat the creation and distribution of "deepfakes," which are sexually explicit audio or visual media generated using advanced technology like artificial intelligence to realistically depict individuals engaging in activities they never did, often for harassment or to cast them in a false light. The bill amends existing laws to establish criminal and civil penalties for the non-consensual disclosure of such deceptive media. Specifically, disclosing deepfakes of adults in sexual situations or with exposed intimate parts will carry the same penalties as "revenge porn" under the invasion of privacy statute, a third-degree crime punishable by three to five years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $15,000. For deepfakes depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child, the penalties will align with those for child pornography, with a second-degree crime (five to ten years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $150,000) for fewer than 1,000 items and a first-degree crime (10 to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $200,000) for 1,000 or more items. Furthermore, individuals depicted in non-consensual deepfakes will have the right to pursue civil action for invasion of privacy.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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