As artificial intelligence continues to gain a stronger foothold in our lives, Alabama lawmakers are working to ensure our laws advance as quickly as the technology. On Monday, state Sen. April Weaver pre-filed a bill that would add images and videos. Created using artificial intelligence or “deepfake” technology, in line with current state laws prohibiting child pornography. The process of “deepfaking,” or the process of taking someone’s existing image and creating fake (often pornographic) visual content without their participation or consent, is often associated with celebrities. Yet, as technology advances, its impact on children increases. >> YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: WVTM 13Weaver’s community reporting was prompted to push for this bill after a Demopolis middle school student uploaded photos of his female classmates to create pornographic images. Currently, Alabama’s child pornography laws prohibit the possession, creation, and distribution of obscene content involving minors. However, there is no mention of artificial intelligence. Weaver’s bill would add material created through “digitalization or other electronic processes,” including “deepfake” depictions of children, to the list of prohibited child pornographic media. >> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO : Download the app for free “As artificial intelligence has expanded and become more easily accessible, some people are using it for immoral purposes. We must take all necessary steps to ensure that innocent and vulnerable children remain protected,” Weaver said. “As digital technology continues to advance, the laws that protect Alabamians of all ages from harm must keep pace and adapt.”
As artificial intelligence continues to gain a stronger foothold in our lives, Alabama lawmakers are working to ensure our laws advance as rapidly as the technology.
On Monday, state Sen. April Weaver prefiled a bill that would add images or videos created using artificial intelligence or “deepfake” technology to the state’s current law banning child pornography.
A “deepfake” is the process of taking an existing image of someone and creating fake (often pornographic) visual content in which that person did not participate or consent to its production. Most often associated with celebrities. Still, as technology advances, the impact on children is increasing.
>> Your neighborhood: WVTM 13 Community Coverage
Weaver was inspired to push for the bill after students at Demopolis Middle School uploaded photos of their female classmates to an artificial intelligence-powered website to create pornographic images.
Currently, Alabama’s child pornography laws prohibit the possession, creation, and distribution of obscene content involving minors. However, there is no mention of artificial intelligence.
Weaver’s bill would add material created through “digital or other electronic processes,” including “deepfake” depictions of children, to the list of prohibited child pornographic media.
>> WVTM 13 On the Go: Download the app for free
“As artificial intelligence expands and becomes more easily accessible, some people are using it for immoral purposes. We must ensure that innocent and vulnerable children continue to be protected. We must take all necessary steps to do so,” Weaver said. “As digital technology continues to advance, the laws that protect Alabamians of all ages from harm must keep pace and adapt.”
