Pennsylvania’s Controversial Legislation Regarding AI Deep-Fake Images

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recently passed legislation that makes it illegal to pass off so-called deep-fake images as real. The new law targets AI-generated images by expanding the state’s forgery law to include computer-generated images used to harm or defraud any person. Pennsylvania had previously passed legislation that made it a crime to possess AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

If you or a family member has been charged with possessing illegal images, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you. Our team has experience in defending those who have been accused of a wide range of crimes. To find out how we can help you, call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential, online contact form today.

New Law Amends Pennsylvania’s Forgery Statute

According to Pennsylvania statutes, the crime of forgery occurs when a person intentionally and knowingly attempts to defraud or cause harm to someone else through means of fabrication or imitation. The statutes are typically used when thieves forge financial documents in order to defraud financial institutions or individuals out of money or goods. Creating a false gift card and selling it to another person would be an example of forgery.

The recent amendments to that statute have expanded the definition of forgery to specifically include the use of AI-generated images. One could easily envision a scenario where an AI image is used to trick an elderly person into thinking they are messaging with a loved one or friend. The person could be deceived into sending money or buying goods for that loved one when, in fact, they are dealing with a fraudster using AI imagery.

AI-Generated Child Abuse Materials Are Now Illegal Under Pennsylvania Law

The possession of child sexual abuse materials has long been illegal under Pennsylvania law. Under Section 6312 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Code, it is a crime to photograph, videotape or otherwise depict on a computer, sexual acts involving a minor under the age of 18 years. In 2024, Pennsylvania joined a host of other states in making artificially-generated child sexual abuse images and other depictions of minors under the age of 18 a crime. The law broadens Section 6312 to specifically include AI-generated images.

Recently, a man was the first person charged under the revised law. The man was found to have 29 files of AI-generated child pornography on his phone. As a result, he was charged with 33 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.

The LLF Law Firm Can Help You

The conviction of a crime can be devastating to you and your family. In particular, the conviction of a sex offense can be extremely damaging, resulting in years in prison, registration as a sex offender, and loss of friends and family members. Your professional and personal reputation can be severely damaged by a criminal conviction, and it may be extremely difficult to obtain future employment. It is important to obtain legal representation to ensure that your rights are being protected. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has the experience you need to defend you. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form.