New Jersey has made it a criminal offense to create and distribute deceptive media generated using artificial intelligence, under a new law signed by Governor Phil Murphy on Wednesday.

The legislation targets the production and circulation of “deepfake” content—AI-generated images, videos, or audio that falsely portray individuals doing or saying things they never did. Those convicted under the law could face up to five years in prison. The law also allows victims to file civil lawsuits against perpetrators.

New Jersey joins at least 20 other U.S. states that have adopted similar laws, particularly focusing on AI-generated media that could affect elections. Additionally, more than a dozen states have passed legislation aimed at curbing digitally altered child sexual abuse content, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

This law gained momentum after Francesca Mani, a student at Westfield High School, became a victim of a deepfake video two years ago. She said the person responsible only received a brief school suspension because no law addressed such offenses at the time.

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“Doing nothing is no longer an option,” said Mani, who stood beside the governor at the bill signing. Recognized by Time magazine as an anti-deepfake activist, she was instrumental in advocating for the law.

Under the measure, deepfakes are defined as any video, audio, or image that would appear realistic to an average person but falsely represents someone's actions or words. The law introduces both criminal and civil consequences for offenders.

Source: With input from agency