The Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding the regulation of artificial intelligence, particularly concerning the creation and distribution of deep fakes. The meeting focused on House Bill 1299, aimed at protecting individuals from the exploitation of their likenesses through non-consensual deep fakes.

The bill's sponsor emphasized the urgent need for legislation to address the rapid rise of deep fakes, which have been used to create harmful and misleading content that can severely damage the reputations and mental health of victims. The sponsor highlighted alarming statistics, noting that over 30 teenage girls in New Jersey were victimized by AI-generated images, leading to significant emotional distress and social repercussions. The bill seeks to impose legal consequences on those who create and distribute intimate deep fakes without consent, addressing a growing concern about sextortion schemes that disproportionately affect men.

Bree Smith, a local meteorologist and a victim of deep fake exploitation, provided testimony that underscored the personal impact of such violations. She recounted her experience with fake social media accounts that used her likeness to deceive followers into sending money and personal information. Smith described the emotional toll this experience took on her and her family, expressing fear for her children's safety and the potential for similar exploitation to occur to them.

Committee members expressed their support for the bill, acknowledging the need for stronger regulations to combat the misuse of AI technology. They recognized the importance of protecting individuals from the harmful effects of deep fakes and the necessity of establishing legal frameworks to address these emerging threats.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discuss the bill and its implications, with members emphasizing the importance of swift action to safeguard citizens against the exploitation of their identities in the digital age. The subcommittee plans to continue its deliberations on this critical issue, aiming to position Tennessee among the states that have enacted protective legislation against non-consensual deep fakes.