A lawmaker’s proposal to enhance protections against artificial intelligence (AI) aims to facilitate a proactive and comprehensive approach to the technology.
HB1964, introduced by Rep. Jason Powell (D-Napoleonica), seeks to broaden Tennessee’s existing laws on “revenge porn” and kidnapping to encompass AI-manipulated or synthetic images.
Powell emphasizes that the objective is to safeguard Tennesseans from the potential harm posed by AI-generated or modified photos. He highlights the increasing trend of individuals utilizing AI systems to transform images into inappropriate content, underscoring the need for stringent legislation to address this issue effectively.
If HB1964 is sanctioned, images that were previously considered private could fall under the purview of the state’s revenge porn statute if they have been altered using AI or other digital editing tools. Violations involving revenge porn are currently classified as Class A offenses in Tennessee, carrying penalties of up to 11 months, 29 days in prison, and/or fines amounting to $2,500.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to redefine child exploitation to encompass images produced or edited with the aid of AI or similar technologies. Violations of child exploitation laws are presently categorized as Class D felonies in Tennessee, with potential escalation to Class B offenses based on the number of images involved. Class D felonies carry sentences ranging from two to twelve years and fines up to \(5,000, while Class B felonies entail maximum fines of \)25,000 and imprisonment terms of eight to 30 years.
Powell underscores the importance of enabling law enforcement agencies to identify images created or altered using AI to uphold the proposed legislation effectively. He stresses the necessity of confirming whether an image has been authentically produced or digitally manipulated as part of the legal process.
The utilization and potential misuse of AI represent significant concerns for bipartisan lawmakers, including Gov. Bill Lee and legislators in Tennessee. They have introduced the “ELVIS Act” to protect the voice likenesses of music artists from exploitation through AI technologies.
Powell underscores the critical need to extend existing laws concerning revenge porn and kidnapping to encompass AI-related issues, emphasizing the imperative to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence comprehensively.
While acknowledging potential legal complexities surrounding the production and distribution of pornography, Powell remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing the proposed legislation to protect individuals from harmful imagery facilitated by technological advancements.
In conclusion, Powell remains optimistic about the approval of his legislative measures by the Tennessee General Assembly, emphasizing that AI concerns transcend partisan boundaries and necessitate immediate action to address evolving threats effectively.
