Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) introduced legislation in Congress to criminalize “deepfakes,” a form of video technology that creates computer-generated images that often are indistinguishable from real footage.
The proposed legislation would require creators to label all deepfakes uploaded to online platforms and warn users of any alterations made to a video or other type of content.
Meanwhile, those who fail to properly label “malicious deepfakes” would face a criminal penalty including prison time and fines.
This category would encompass deepfakes related to sexual content, criminal conduct, incitement of violence, and foreign interference in elections.
Ms. Clarke first introduced the bill in 2019, although it failed to gain traction.Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence, allows the creation of various content, such as text, images, audio, and video, with remarkable simplicity using just a basic user prompt.
However, organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have urged Congress against acting hastily. They argue that regulation could have a negative effect on free expression.
“Congress must tread carefully if it seeks to address the actual problem without censoring lawful and socially valuable speech—such as parodies and satires,” the EFF warned in 2019.
“We are cracking down on abusers who share or manipulate intimate photos in order to hound or humiliate women and girls,” said the country’s Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk.
“Our changes will give police and prosecutors the powers they need to bring these cowards to justice, safeguarding women and girls from such vile abuse.”