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Bill

SB 8

Criminal Law - Identity Fraud - Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake Representations

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Charles and 12 co-sponsors

Maryland criminalizes creating and using AI-generated deepfakes to fraudulently impersonate others, establishing new criminal penalties for synthetic identity fraud.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 445
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Bill Summary · SB 8

Legislative bill overview

SB 8 creates new criminal penalties specifically targeting the creation and use of AI-generated deepfakes and artificial identity representations for fraudulent purposes. The bill establishes identity fraud charges when deepfakes or synthetic media are used to impersonate someone without consent, with enhanced penalties depending on the intent and harm caused.

Why is this important

Deepfake technology has made it increasingly easy to create convincing false representations of real people for financial gain, harassment, or other criminal purposes—outpacing existing fraud laws designed before this technology existed. This bill addresses a genuine gap in Maryland's criminal code by explicitly criminalizing AI-enabled identity fraud before it becomes widespread, similar to how states have proactively legislated other emerging technologies.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Critics may argue the bill could be too broad and inadvertently restrict satire, parody, or protected speech involving synthetic media that doesn't constitute fraud
  • Definition clarity: The bill's specific language defining what constitutes illegal "artificial identity representations" and distinguishing them from legitimate uses (entertainment, education, research) may need refinement to avoid unintended consequences
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving criminal intent and identifying perpetrators who use deepfakes across jurisdictions presents significant practical obstacles for law enforcement

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

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