US Senate Targets AI Deepfakes with DEFIANCE Act
The TDR Three TakeAways:
- DEFIANCE Act Introduction: The US Senate introduces the DEFIANCE Act to criminalize AI-generated nonconsensual sexual images.
- Legal Rights for Victims: The bill allows victims in AI-generated explicit content to seek civil penalties against creators and distributors.
- Rising Deepfake Issues: This legislation addresses the increased creation and spread of sophisticated AI-manipulated imagery, such as the recent Taylor Swift deepfake case.
This week the United States Senate indicates a legislative response to the growing concern over nonconsensual, sexualized images generated by artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as “deepfakes.” This legislative action, known as the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024, or the DEFIANCE Act, was prompted by the circulation of AI-generated pornographic images of the singer Taylor Swift.
The DEFIANCE Act aims to provide a legal recourse for victims of such digital forgeries. The bill would allow individuals depicted in nonconsensual, sexually explicit digital images to seek civil penalties against those who produce or possess these forgeries with the intent to distribute them. This bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, including Dick Durbin, the US Senate majority whip, along with senators Lindsey Graham, Amy Klobuchar, and Josh Hawley.
The circulation of the AI-manipulated images of Taylor Swift, which gained widespread attention on social media platforms, underscores the increasing prevalence and sophistication of deepfake technology. These images, reportedly created using advanced tools like Microsoft Designer and shared on platforms like Telegram, highlight the ease with which such content can be generated and disseminated.
The proposed legislation is a response not only to the specific incident involving Taylor Swift but also to a broader trend of deepfakes being used to exploit and harass individuals, especially public figures, politicians, and celebrities. The bill expands on provisions in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 and addresses a gap in current legal protections, which predominantly focus on non-simulated non-consensual pornography.
In addition to targeting AI-generated imagery, the DEFIANCE Act encompasses a wider range of forgeries, including those created using any form of technology, software, or machine learning that results in images indistinguishable from authentic visual depictions of individuals in sexually explicit contexts. The bill’s language implies applicability to modified real pictures and does not exempt images labeled as inauthentic from liability.
This legislative effort reflects the growing concern over the misuse of AI and technology in creating and spreading non-consensual pornographic content. It forms part of a broader discussion on regulating AI and digital content, raising questions about the balance between preventing harm and preserving artistic expression and free speech.
The introduction of the DEFIANCE Act marks a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by advanced digital technologies in the realm of personal privacy and reputation. It underscores the need for legal frameworks to evolve in tandem with technological advancements, ensuring protections against new forms of digital exploitation and harassment.
Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s content, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.
