NOW LAW: Moriarty and Miller Bill to Establish Penalties for the Production and Dissemination of Deceptive Deepfakes was Signed into Law

Governor Phil Murphy today signed A3540/S2544, sponsored by Senator Moriarty & Assemblyman Miller to establish civil and criminal penalties for the production and dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes."

Deepfakes are unauthorized photos and videos that have been nefariously manipulated into misleading imagery, including pornographic content. Bad actors have abused artificial intelligence tools to manufacture another person’s appearance and distribute fake, illicit material. Victims depicted in deepfake content are often left to navigate these violations of their privacy and trust, experience backlash from peers and loved ones, and combat falsehoods without the ability to criminally prosecute the offender and pursue justice.

Under the provisions of this law, individuals making or distributing deceptive audio or visual media for the furtherance of additional criminal activity are committing a crime of the third degree and may be subject to imprisonment and a fine of up to $30,000.

"With Governor Murphy's signing of this bill into law, we are sending a strong message that we will not tolerate counterfeit technology designed to deceive and mislead people,” said Senator Paul Moriarty. “Our democracy depends on trust, and this law helps us build that trust by keeping those who might disrupt it on their toes. The people of New Jersey must be protected from lies and manipulation, and this law is crucial to that protection."