State Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, on Thursday introduced legislation aimed at curbing the misuse of artificial intelligence to create harmful digital replicas of real people.
Josh Becker
The measure, known as the Digital Dignity Act, would strengthen penalties for defamation and false impersonation involving AI-generated images, video or audio, according to a press release.
It would also require large online platforms that create and host generative AI content to provide clear processes for individuals to request removal of unauthorized digital replicas.
Becker said the bill is intended to address growing concerns over deepfakes used to commit fraud, spread misinformation and damage reputations.
Recommended for you
The legislation would establish accountability for those who knowingly distribute harmful AI-generated replicas that violate existing defamation, impersonation or publicity laws, according to Becker’s office.
It also builds on current legal protections, while seeking to preserve free expression and responsible innovation.
“Artificial intelligence should empower people, and not be weaponized against them,” Becker said. “No one should have their voice, face, or identity stolen by an algorithm and used to defraud others, damage their reputation, or violate their dignity.”
The bill has been introduced for consideration in the state Legislature.
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO
personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who
make comments. Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. Don't threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Anyone violating these rules will be issued a
warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be
revoked.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.