House Bill 1351 sparked significant discussion during the House Judiciary meeting on January 20, 2025, as stakeholders voiced their support and concerns regarding the regulation of explicit deep fake content involving minors. Terry Efers, representing Tech Endy, emphasized the need for clarity in the bill's definitions, particularly regarding what constitutes an explicit deep fake video or image. Efers suggested that the language should explicitly cover minors to avoid inconsistencies across different legislative contexts.

Efers also advocated for an amendment to the bill, mirroring language from House Bill 1386, which would protect internet service providers from liability for content created by others. This amendment aims to ensure that the responsibility for creating deep fakes lies with the individual creators rather than the platforms that host the content.

The committee heard additional testimony both in support of and opposition to House Bill 1351, highlighting the contentious nature of the legislation. Following the discussion on House Bill 1351, the committee shifted focus to House Bill 1386, which similarly addresses the prohibition of certain computer-generated images involving minors.

As the legislative process continues, the implications of these bills could significantly impact how deep fake technology is regulated in North Dakota, particularly concerning the protection of minors from exploitative content. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the legal landscape surrounding digital content creation and distribution.