NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — As concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-manipulated content continue to grow, one Tennessee lawmaker is hoping to add AI protections to unlawful exposure laws.
State Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville) has filed a bill that would classify images purporting to show someone else’s “intimate parts” that were “created or modified” by AI or “other digital editing tools” as an “offense of unlawful exposure.”
HB1964 would also specify that sexually explicit images of children that are AI-created or modified would also be covered under related statutes.
Tennessee is the first state in the nation to propose such legislation. It goes along with federal legislation, the “No Fakes Act,” in protecting image and likenesses from the misuse of AI.
Powell’s bill did not yet have a Senate sponsor as of Jan. 24.
AI and protections against it have become a bigger talking point in recent years, with lawmakers and consumers alike calling for regulations for the use of AI. Tennessee lawmakers introduced a bill to protect the vocal likeness of artists and musicians from the use or abuse of AI. This act, known as the “ELVIS Act,” would add performer’s voices to the list of material covered under AI protection laws.
