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HB 185

Regards an individual's persona usage; prohibit certain deepfakes

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Mathews and 1 co-sponsor

Ohio bill HB 185 bans non-consensual deepfakes of individuals, criminalizing synthetic media misuse while sparking free speech versus protection debates.

Referred to committee
#commerce #socialmedia #technology
0
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Bill Summary · HB 185

Legislative bill overview

HB 185 proposes to prohibit the creation and distribution of deepfakes using an individual's persona without consent. The bill establishes legal restrictions on synthetic media that depicts real people in false or misleading contexts, with particular focus on non-consensual intimate imagery and deceptive political content.

Why is this important

Deepfake technology has advanced rapidly, enabling convincing fake videos and images that can cause significant harm—from reputation damage and harassment to election interference and fraud. This bill addresses a genuine gap in Ohio law by creating specific legal recourse for victims and establishing clear boundaries around AI-generated synthetic media before the technology becomes more prevalent.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Critics may argue the bill's restrictions on synthetic media could conflict with First Amendment protections, particularly regarding political satire, parody, or commentary—areas traditionally protected as free speech
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill's scope depends heavily on how "persona" and "deepfake" are legally defined; overly broad definitions could criminalize legitimate uses like entertainment, education, or artistic expression
  • Enforcement and identification challenges: Technical difficulty in detecting deepfakes and determining intent may create practical enforcement problems and potential for selective prosecution
  • Consent and damages framework: The bill likely needs clear standards for what constitutes "consent" and how victims prove harm to receive meaningful remedies

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

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