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State Representative Matthew Bierlein has introduced a set of bipartisan bills aimed at protecting Michigan residents and families from modern forms of abuse, particularly those involving advanced technology. The proposed legislation, House Bills 4047-48, seeks to establish criminal penalties and allow for civil action against the nonconsensual creation and distribution of "deep fake" images or videos that are sensitive or intimate in nature.

Deep fakes are computer-generated images that can falsely depict individuals in activities they never participated in, including sexual acts. Currently, Michigan lacks specific laws to prevent the sharing of such content without consent.

"This can lead to serious emotional, physical and reputational harm for people who did not consent to this material," said Bierlein, representing Vassar. "These plans update our laws to meet rapidly evolving technology and protect people and their families from falling victim to misuses and abuses. They ensure people can seek justice, instead of seeing a person who is responsible for these types of depraved acts avoid accountability because our state simply lacks laws to address this."

In 2023, the FBI alerted Americans about the increasing use of artificial intelligence by criminals to create sexually explicit images intended for intimidation and extortion. The agency noted a rise in cases where victims were targeted with manipulated versions of innocent images sourced from online posts or private communications.

The FBI's report highlighted the severe consequences these crimes can have on victims, including self-harm and suicide. Between October 2021 and March 2023, over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion involving minors were received by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. These incidents affected at least 12,600 victims and resulted in at least 20 suicides, some occurring in Michigan.

The proposed bills have been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.