Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has just signed a series of bipartisan bills aimed directly at combating the rising tide of sexual exploitation facilitated by artificial intelligence, with a specific focus on prohibiting the creation and distribution of so-called "deep fakes." These AI-generated images and videos often depict individuals in sexual contexts without their consent, posing significant harm to victims' reputations and privacy. The legislative package also includes a bill to honor the memory of Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr., who was tragically killed in the line of duty last year.
In a move to surely protect the citizens of Michigan, House Bills 4047 and 4048 were signed, which outlaw the creation and dissemination of intimate deep fakes without the subject's consent. "As a county prosecutor, I went after people who used their power to prey on others," said Governor Whitmer, signaling her commitment to carry on this fight against exploitation in her role as governor, according to a statement on the official Michigan government website. These new laws also establish sentencing guidelines for such offenses in an effort to better safeguard Michiganders from what's becoming an increasingly pervasive form of harassment.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II weighed in on the legislation, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public from abusers who might leverage AI technology for harmful purposes. "Michiganders are facing artificial intelligence-driven sexual exploitation," he said. "This is unacceptable. These bipartisan bills will institute penalties and protect the public from predators and abusers," as reported on the state's official website.
The bipartisan nature of the bills was highlighted by State Representative Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), who expressed her relief at the passage of the legislation: "I am so excited, proud, and relieved that because of these bills, it is now illegal for individuals to create or disseminate intimate deep fakes of an individual without their consent here in Michigan," State Representative Tsernoglou told the Michigan government news site. This sentiment was echoed by State Representative Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), who noted that "With the governor’s signature, Michigan is making it clear that non-consensual intimate deepfakes have no place in our state."
Additionally, the newly signed Senate Bill 70 bestows a commemorative honor on a local hero, Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr., designating a portion of M-34 as the Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway to memorialize his sacrifice. This gesture serves to acknowledge the risks faced by law enforcement officials and pays tribute to Deputy Sheriff Butler's service. The bill was sponsored by state Senator Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe) and is now part of the larger effort to protect and honor Michigan residents.
