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HB 22

DISTRIBUTION OF SENSITIVE AND DEEPFAKE IMAGES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paulene Abeyta and 2 co-sponsors

New Mexico bill criminalizes sharing nude/sexual images and deepfakes without consent, with harsher penalties for minors.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 22

Legislative bill overview

HB 22 creates criminal penalties for the non-consensual distribution of intimate images and deepfake sexual content. The bill makes it illegal to share sexually explicit photographs, videos, or artificially created sexual imagery of another person without consent, with enhanced penalties when the victim is a minor.

Why is this important

Non-consensual intimate image sharing ("revenge porn") causes documented psychological harm and can facilitate harassment, extortion, and reputation damage. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, the law addresses both traditional intimate image abuse and synthetic sexual content that didn't require the victim's participation to create.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Opponents may argue the law could restrict protected speech or be too vague in defining what constitutes "intimate" imagery, potentially capturing art, educational, or news content
  • Enforcement challenges: Determining consent retrospectively can be difficult; the bill's application to digital content shared across platforms raises questions about platform liability versus individual liability
  • Deepfake definitions: Defining what qualifies as a "deepfake" or synthetic intimate image may be technically complex, and the standard for what's "recognizable" as a specific person could be disputed

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

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