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Bill

SB 154

Prohibiting digital manipulation of sexually explicit content including minors

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Grady and 2 co-sponsors

West Virginia bill criminalizes creating and distributing non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images, especially those depicting minors, to combat AI-generated sexual abuse material.

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Bill Summary · SB 154

Legislative bill overview

SB 154 would prohibit the creation and distribution of digitally manipulated sexually explicit images, with specific focus on content depicting minors. The bill establishes criminal penalties for producing, distributing, or possessing such synthetic sexual content without consent of the person depicted.

Why is this important

Deepfake pornography and AI-generated sexual imagery pose significant harms: they can be used for harassment, blackmail, and reputation damage, with minors being particularly vulnerable. This addresses a gap in existing law where traditional child sexual abuse material statutes may not apply to synthetic or AI-generated content that depicts real children.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Legal challenges may argue that prohibiting digitally manipulated images conflicts with free speech protections, even if the content is offensive
  • Definitional ambiguity: "Digital manipulation" requires precise legal definition to avoid capturing protected artistic expression, satire, or minor edits
  • Enforcement challenges: Determining intent, proving non-consensual creation, and identifying creators of anonymously distributed content presents practical difficulties
  • Age verification and consent proof: Standards for establishing whether someone consented to their likeness being used in such content may be unclear
  • Scope with minors: The bill may raise questions about whether it applies to AI-generated images of fictional minors or only real children

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

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