California State Legislators, both Republicans and Democrats, have introduced three bills aimed at addressing the increasingly sophisticated arena of digitally generated pornography and exploitation. These bills, while distinct in their focus, collectively represent a concerted effort to close legal loopholes and extend protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital technologies used to create and distribute child pornography and the non-consensual distribution of fake intimate images.
AB 1831, introduced by Assemblyman Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto), targets a chilling new frontier in the digital exploitation of minors. The bill seeks to expand the legal definition of obscene matter to include AI-generated or computer-generated images that realistically depict minors engaging in sexual conduct. “Every one of these AI-generated images victimizes thousands of real children because they are a part of the formula that goes into creating that awful image,” Berman stated in a recent newsletter. “AI datasets are made by using publicly facing photos on the internet, known as ‘scraping,’ including images on school websites or social media. In addition, and very disturbingly, these programs use existing images and videos of actual children being sexually abused to learn what material to generate.”
Complementing AB 1831, SB 933, authored by Senators Aisha Wahab (D-Fremont) and Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Redlands), focuses on broadening the definition of a computer-generated image to encompass those created through artificial intelligence. This expansion is critical in ensuring that the legal framework keeps pace with technological advancements, effectively criminalizing the possession, creation, or distribution of AI-generated explicit content involving minors.
Lastly, AB 1856, authored by Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster) takes a broader stance against the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, extending its purview to include ‘deepfakes’. This bill specifically targets the distribution of hyper-realistic fake images or videos that depict individuals in intimate or compromising sexual situations without their consent. In doing so, AB 1856 aims to address the growing concern over digital impersonation and violation of privacy, which can have devastating emotional impacts on victims….
All well and good, but it would take more guts to go after Epstein’s old buddies.
I’m not sure a California court would have any jurisdiction over what occurred on the “Island”.
This will be quietly opposed by the progressives in the legislature, which is most of them. In proposing this bill, the idea that there is an objective standard for sexual behavior is undeniable. Any limits on even the most perverse sexual gratification puts negative attention and denunciation on all the weirdo groups represented by the CA state legislature. To them, this is an unacceptable step in the wrong direction.
Why would anyone oppose protecting children (those already born, at least)?
This is not a partisan issue. These bills should pass unanimously.
Of course, they may not. Evil is powerful. And, sometimes profitable.
https://staysafeonline.org/resources/how-to-protect-yourself-against-deepfakes/#:~:text=Watermark%20photos%3A%20When%20sharing%20images,of%20AI%20is%20changing%20rapidly.
It has always been recommended not to put pictures of your kids on the Internet.
A long time ago, my diocese put a picture of our bishops surrounded by a dozen Catholic high school girls in their uniforms online. I cringed at the time but now you get desensitized and you go so long without having problems that you forget that problems can occur.
Catholic schools should not put pictures of the kids online.