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SALT LAKE CITY — The rapid rise and improvement of artificial intelligence systems has stoked fears of layoffs and the further spread of disinformation.
Another dark side of the technology was on display last month when fake, sexually explicit images of Taylor Swift were shared widely on social media platforms. The images of the singer were likely generated using artificial intelligence and were seen tens of millions of times, according to the New York Times.
Swift is reportedly "furious" about the images and "considering legal action" against those who distributed them.
"Whether or not legal action will be taken is being decided, but there is one thing that is clear: These fake AI-generated images are abusive, offensive, exploitative and done without Taylor's consent and/or knowledge," a source close to Swift told the Daily Mail.
As artificial intelligence video generators have improved, a Utah lawmaker is proposing a bill to include computer-generated videos under the state's Sexual Exploitation Act, which is designed to protect individuals from having intimate photos or videos shared online without their consent.
HB148 expands the definition of "intimate image" and "child sexual abuse material" to include computer-generated videos, making it a crime to share AI-generated pornography. Bill sponsor Rep. Ariel Defay, R-Kaysville, said code already prohibits the distribution of such videos, and her bill is just meant to clarify the statute and close any potential loopholes when it comes to sharing artificial child sexual abuse material.
"I believe we are behind in legislating in this area," Defay told the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee on Monday. "It's moving so quickly. Things are happening to celebrities and in politics rapidly, in real time. And so we're going to have to be proactive, and I'm committed to keeping an eye on this space and making sure that we are keeping our children safe."
The Law Enforcement Legislative Committee is supportive of the bill, and a member told lawmakers that AI image generators likely would have to be trained on real child sexual abuse material in order to replicate it, which further harms children who have been sexually exploited.
HB148 makes other technical changes to clean up "vague" language in existing statute, Defay said. The committee recommended the bill with a unanimous vote, and it will now go to the House floor for consideration.
"We've had a good, robust discussion about how quickly AI is developing and how we can have some really negative consequences," Defay said. "If we allow this in our society, we could create a demand for an industry that exploits children."
Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee has a federal bill that would require pornography sites to verify the age of all participants in pornographic images and obtain verified consent forms from those uploading content and those who appear in pornographic content.
Lee attempted to enlist support for his bill from Swift by tagging the superstar in a social media post promoting the PROTECT Act.
"I have legislation to help get harmful deepfake images removed quickly, and create a way for people to sue companies that don't take them down," Lee said. "I'm re-introducing the PROTECT Act next week. Would love your support!"
