WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3694

Relating to the unlawful production or distribution of certain sexually explicit media and to the removal of certain intimate visual depictions published on online platforms without the consent of the person depicted; increasing criminal penalties.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ryan Guillen and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill criminalizes non-consensual intimate imagery production/distribution, requires platform removal, and increases penalties for offenders.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#artificialintelligence(iq7c5) #business&commerce--general(i0050) #business&commerce--tradepractices(i0006) #computers&software(s2425) #crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #exploitationprotectionact(p10l2) #internet(s0130) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #videotape&film(s2361)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3694

Legislative bill overview

HB 3694 addresses non-consensual intimate imagery ("deepfake" pornography and revenge porn) by criminalizing the unlawful production or distribution of sexually explicit media depicting real people without consent, and requiring online platforms to remove such content upon request. The bill increases criminal penalties for these offenses beyond current Texas law.

Why is this important

Non-consensual intimate imagery causes documented psychological harm to victims and has become increasingly common with deepfake technology. This bill creates legal recourse for victims and potential liability for platforms that fail to act, addressing a gap in current Texas criminal law that many other states have already legislated.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech vs. protection: Defining the scope of prohibited "sexually explicit media" without inadvertently capturing protected speech, artistic expression, or educational content
  • Platform liability and feasibility: Whether online platforms can realistically identify, verify, and remove all non-consensual intimate imagery at scale, and what liability standards are appropriate for platforms that miss violations
  • Deepfake vs. authentic imagery: The technical and legal challenges of distinguishing between AI-generated deepfakes and authentic non-consensual intimate photos, which may require different legal frameworks
  • Penalties proportionality: Whether increased criminal penalties are proportionate to the offense and consistent with similar crimes in Texas penal code

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

Sign in to ask a question.