“I’m proud to sign today’s law and oppose deceptive and dangerous deepfakes,” Gov. Murphy said. “Artificial intelligence has proven to be a powerful tool, but it needs to be used responsibly. My management focuses on lasers on ensuring misinformation and media integrity. We will continue to stand up to the victims of deepfake images and prioritize the safety and well-being of all New Jersey.”
“AI technology offers great opportunities as parents, but we share the governor’s concerns about how bad actors use AI to put their children at risk. We also share concerns about interference as Secretary of State.” “Deepfake is a powerful tool for deception that can undermine public trust. And election interference is not just an attack on the process. It’s an attack on the foundations of our democracy. This law sends a clear message. New Jersey is ready for AI. Penalties for the creation and distribution of deceptive media, we equip the nation with tools to keep bad actors accountable.”
“By creating or disseminating deceptive audio or visual media commonly known as ‘deepfakes,’ you can undermine life and reputation by using artificial intelligence maliciously or irresponsibly,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “This new law is aimed at people who misuse this powerful technology to fraud or hurt others, providing carefully coordinated criminal and civil safeguards and to protect the public when deepfakes are inappropriately used.
Deepfakes are fraudulent photos and videos that are inadvertently manipulated by misleading images containing pornographic content. Bad actors abuse artificial intelligence tools to manufacture the appearance of others and distribute fake, illegal materials. Victims depicted in the content of Deepfake are often left to navigate these violations of privacy and trust, experience repulsion from peers and loved ones, criminally prosecute criminals and fight falsehood without the ability to pursue justice.
Today’s law was partly inspired by the advocacy of Westfield High School student Francesca Mani. Francesca Mani sought change after being targeted and sacrificed to her companions who create and share explicit images generated by AI. Governor Murphy spoke with Francesca and his mother in September 2024 to express his praise and support as he continued his journey to court.
“I’m proud to praise Gov. Phil Murphy for defending the AI Act since 2023 and joining Governor Phil Murphy to sign this into law,” said the AI Deepfake victim advocated Francesca Mani, the most influential figure in AI, the most influential figure in Time100. “I said this victory belongs to all women and teenagers and that it is impossible, it is impossible, it is just moving forward. It is proof that with the right support we can make a difference together.”
Under the provisions of this Act, an individual who creates or distributes deceptive audio or visual media to promote additional criminal activity has committed a third crime and may be subject to imprisonment and fines of up to $30,000.
“The rapid spread of AI-generated deepfakes underscores the need for strong legislation to protect victims and prevent misuse. This emerging technology.”
The main sponsors of the A3540/S2544 are former Congressman Herb Connaway, majority Louis Greenwald, and Sens. Ellen Park, Sens. Paul Moriarty and Christine Colad.
“When used maliciously, deep-far technology can dismantle lives, distort reality and exploit the most vulnerable people among us,” Connaway said. “I’m proud to sponsor this law when I was still in Congress because it helps us to respond to advance technology. This is to draw a clear line between innovation and harm. Now we’re standing firm to ensure that AI protects individuals to empower our communities.”
“Deepfakes can cause irreparable damage if used for criminal purposes,” said Lou Greenwald, the leader of the majority. “This law takes a proactive approach to technological advancement and protects New Jersey residents. By establishing additional penalties for using this technology, it can prevent the use of deepfakes and provide judicial relief to victims in order to commit crimes.”
“Deepfakes have evolved beyond simply altered images. They now cover all forms of audio and visual media, and unfortunately, they are increasingly used to threaten and invade individual lives and personality,” Rep. Ellen Park said. “This law is essential to our efforts to stay ahead of the malicious use of deepfake technology, ensuring that this deceptive content does not cause problems beyond our control.”
“With Governor Murphy signing this bill into law, we send a strong message that we will not tolerate counterfeiting techniques designed to deceive and mislead people,” Sen. Paul Moriarty said. “Our democracy depends on trust, and this law helps to build that trust by maintaining people who can disrupt it on their toes. People in New Jersey must be protected from lies and manipulation. This law is important to its protection.”
“The public sharing of illegally generated ‘deepfakes’ can be as devastating as the real form of media is prevalent without consent. This is especially true when artificial intelligence is used to create porn.” “There is an ethical responsibility to maintain transparency in the digital age. By holding bad actors accountable, the governor’s signature is taking an important step towards protecting individuals from the harmful effects of deceptive AI-generated media.”
“Whether the target is a school child or an adult, deepfakes can lead to similar deep problems in identifying fraud victims and theft,” said New Jersey President Jennifer S. Higgins. “With this law, New Jersey will know that bad actors creating deepfake audio or visuals will face serious consequences.”
“The New Jersey Union of New Jersey’s Sexual Assault (NJCASA) strongly supports the New Jerseyville S2544 as an important step to addressing fast-growing, dangerous forms of image-based sexual violence, not only invading privacy, but also serious psychological harm and amplifying a culture of sexual violence.” “We are grateful to Governor Murphy, the bill sponsor, and to all those who supported it by taking steps to safer, safer, New Jersey, where the harmful consequences of image-based sexual violence are addressed with the urgency and severity they deserve.”
“The public receives news online and believes what they see, especially when it’s visual or audio format,” said Professor Vincent O’Ria, the doctoral degree, chair of the Department of Computer Science at New Jersey Institute of Technology. “We are delighted that New Jersey is the first state to criminalize the production and spread of deceptive media.”
