Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Gregory Alexander, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Gregory Alexander, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
The Michigan House has advanced a bipartisan legislative plan led by state Representative Matthew Bierlein aimed at addressing the misuse of "deepfake" technology. The proposed House Bills 4047-48 seek to establish criminal penalties and allow civil action for the nonconsensual creation and distribution of deepfake images or videos, particularly those of a sensitive nature or featuring intimate parts of individuals.
Deepfakes are convincingly realistic, computer-generated images or videos that can falsely portray individuals in activities they never participated in, including sexual acts. Presently, no legislation in Michigan prohibits the sharing of such deepfake content without the individual's consent.
“We must update our laws to confront this rapidly evolving technology and protect people and their families from falling victim to misuses and abuses,” Representative Bierlein stated. “These bills ensure people can seek justice when these types of depraved acts are committed. When these situations occur, they can cause immense psychological, physical and reputational harm for a victim who did not consent to this material. Currently they have no recourse, and that’s a major issue.”
Bierlein referenced national data indicating a rise in sextortion cases involving synthetic media, noting that between October 2021 and March 2023, over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion involving minors were filed with the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
The bills were first introduced by Bierlein in March 2024 but, despite receiving bipartisan support in the House, did not progress to a Senate vote in the previous legislative term. “I am hopeful we can get these protections for Michigan residents and families across the finish line this term,” Bierlein said. “Without them, we are risking more victims of deepfake technology in Michigan and inviting the potential for more people to experience emotional distress after being victimized. The framework these bills create will deliver justice and a better way forward.”
The legislation will now proceed to the Michigan Senate for consideration. Rep. Bierlein discussed the bills at the state Capitol on April 24.
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