Bill

Bill > A3058


NJ A3058

NJ A3058
Establishes Deepfake Technology Unit in DLPS; appropriates $2 million.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes the Deepfake Technology Unit in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety. Deceptive audio or visual media, known as "deepfakes," are realistic videos, images, audio, and writings manipulated using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to convincingly depict events, statements, or writings that did not occur. Due to advances in technology, deepfakes have become difficult to distinguish from authentic video, images, audio, and writings. Under the bill, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Chief Technology Officer of the New Jersey Office of Information Technology in the Department of the Treasury, is to establish the Deepfake Technology Unit to provide technical assistance, expertise, education, and training to State and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and State courts regarding the investigation and analysis of potentially deceptive audio or visual media. In addition, beginning one year following the unit's formation, the unit is required to provide an annual report to the Governor and Legislature that includes information regarding the unit's activity during the preceding year; a summary of technological advancements in deceptive audio or visual media and applicable detection methods; a summary of changes to the law related to deceptive audio or visual media; information regarding the unit's collaboration with the private sector and academic institutions; and recommendations for legislation and regulations to address the challenges posed by deceptive audio or visual media. The bill permits the Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts to designate a representative to work with the unit as a liaison and training coordinator. Finally, the bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety to effectuate the provisions of this bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a new Deepfake Technology Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety, allocating $2 million to fund its operations. This unit, created in consultation with the Chief Technology Officer, will focus on deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes," which are realistic but fabricated digital content created using advanced artificial intelligence. The unit's primary role is to provide crucial technical assistance, expertise, education, and training to state and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts to help them investigate and analyze these sophisticated fakes. Furthermore, starting one year after its formation, the unit is mandated to produce an annual report detailing its activities, advancements in deepfake technology and detection, legal changes, collaborations, and recommendations for future legislation and regulations. The Administrative Director of the Courts will also appoint a liaison to work with the unit.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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