TRENTON, N.J. — A bill aimed at criminalizing the creation and distribution of deceptive digital content, commonly known as deepfakes, advanced unanimously in the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The proposed legislation, designated as Senate Bill No. 2544, would establish criminal and civil penalties for individuals who create or distribute deepfake media with the intent to commit crimes such as fraud, harassment, or child exploitation. The bill includes exceptions for free speech protections, particularly for media organizations, advertisers, and technology providers.
Under the bill, individuals found guilty of using deepfake technology to commit crimes—including identity theft, perjury, or cyber-harassment—could face third-degree criminal charges, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines reaching $45,000. The legislation also allows victims, including those not directly depicted in deepfakes, to seek civil damages in court.
The measure includes provisions protecting journalistic and artistic works that clearly label manipulated media, as well as exemptions for law enforcement investigations and cybersecurity efforts. It does not apply to platforms such as social media companies or streaming services that host deepfake content under federal protections.
The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Sens. Paul D. Moriarty and Kristin M. Corrado, now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
