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H 1615

An Act preventing an individual’s image and voice from exploitation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan and 20 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill criminalizes unauthorized commercial or harmful use of individuals' images and voices, targeting deepfakes and synthetic media exploitation.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1615

Legislative bill overview

H 1615 creates legal protections against unauthorized use of an individual's image and voice, likely targeting deepfakes, non-consensual synthetic media, and other forms of digital exploitation. The bill establishes remedies for Massachusetts residents whose likenesses are used without permission for commercial gain or harmful purposes.

Why is this important

As synthetic media technology becomes increasingly accessible, the potential for non-consensual deepfakes—particularly intimate imagery and fraudulent impersonation—poses serious risks to privacy, dignity, and financial security. This legislation addresses a legal gap in Massachusetts by providing recourse for victims before federal standards are established, potentially serving as a model for other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech vs. protection: Defining the boundaries between prohibited exploitation and protected parody, satire, or political speech could be legally complex and contentious
  • Scope and enforcement: Questions about whether protections cover only commercial use or also non-commercial harmful uses, and how violations would be detected and prosecuted in practice
  • Technology feasibility: Determining how to distinguish legitimate synthetic media (CGI, artistic works) from exploitative deepfakes, and whether platforms or creators bear enforcement responsibility
  • Damages and liability: Uncertainty about who bears liability (platforms, creators, distributors) and what constitutes appropriate remedies for harm

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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