New Jersey criminalizes AI-generated ‘deceptive’ media content
Office sign warns about AI-generated content, emphasizing the need for fact-checking before trusting information. (Adobe Stock Photo)
New Jersey has become one of the latest U.S. states to take legal action against AI-generated deceptive media, officially criminalizing the creation and distribution of misleading deepfake content.
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new bill into law that categorizes the production and dissemination of deepfake media as a punishable offense, carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison. The legislation also establishes legal grounds for victims to pursue civil lawsuits against perpetrators.
AI must be used responsibly, says Gov. Murphy
Announcing the law via his X account, Murphy emphasized the necessity of responsible AI usage. “While AI is a powerful tool, it must be used responsibly. We stand with all victims of deepfake imagery and will do everything in our power to hold bad actors accountable,” he stated.
Under the newly enacted law, AI-generated deepfake content is defined as any video, audio recording, or image that realistically depicts a person engaging in actions they never actually performed. The law aims to curb the spread of manipulated media used for misinformation, fraud, and reputational harm.
Nationwide crackdown on AI-driven misinformation
New Jersey joins at least 20 other U.S. states that have enacted similar legislation targeting AI-generated deepfake content. The rise of manipulated media has sparked growing concerns over its potential to mislead the public, manipulate elections, and cause personal and professional damage.
With deepfake technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, legal measures such as New Jersey’s latest initiative reflect a growing commitment to combating AI-driven misinformation and protecting digital integrity.
