(Trenton, NJ) – A new law in New Jersey is targeting so-called “deep fakes”. Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation cracking down on bad actors trying to use artificial intelligence with criminal intent. The bill makes deep fakes or deceptive use of AI a felony when it’s tied to another criminal act. Deepfakes are forms of media from audio to visual, that are manipulated to mislead the listener or viewer. The law was inspired by the story of Francesca Mani, a Westfield High School student who was the target of boys in her class that made fake pornography based on the girls’ images. Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way also raised the alarm on the use of deep fakes or deceptive AI to influence elections. Murphy’s office says that AI can be a useful tool, but protecting children and combatting misinformation in the digital age is crucial.
