The North Dakota Senate Judiciary Committee convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1351, which aims to prohibit explicit deep fake videos and images. The bill, introduced by Representative Bernie Satram, addresses the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating realistic but harmful content.
During the meeting, Satram highlighted the potential dangers of deep fake technology, particularly its ability to manipulate images and videos in ways that could harm individuals, such as placing a person's face on inappropriate content. He emphasized the need for legislation to protect individuals from such abuses, especially in cases involving child exploitation.
The committee reviewed several friendly amendments to the bill. One amendment aims to clarify certain provisions to align with existing laws, while another seeks to protect internet service providers and computer manufacturers from liability if their products are used to create harmful deep fake content. Satram expressed confidence in the committee's ability to refine the bill and ensure it effectively addresses the issues at hand.
The discussion reflects a growing recognition of the ethical and legal challenges posed by advancements in AI technology. As deep fakes become more prevalent, lawmakers are increasingly tasked with finding a balance between innovation and public safety. The committee's deliberations on House Bill 1351 mark a significant step toward establishing legal frameworks to combat the misuse of deep fake technology in North Dakota.