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Bill

LC 3983

Revise laws related to use of name, voice, and likeness of individuals and penalties for unauthorized use

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill revises identity protection laws to establish or strengthen penalties for unauthorized commercial use of individuals' names, voices, and likenesses in response to emerging technology threats.

(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
#informationtechnology(seealso:communications) #liability(seealso:remedies;torts) #privacy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LC 3983

Legislative bill overview

LC 3983 proposes revisions to Montana law governing the unauthorized use of individuals' names, voices, and likenesses. The bill appears designed to strengthen protections against misuse of personal identity attributes and establish or modify penalties for violations. The specific scope and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the available legislative record.

Why is this important

As artificial intelligence and digital manipulation technologies advance, unauthorized use of personal identity has become increasingly prevalent and profitable. Clear statutory protections and meaningful penalties serve to protect individuals from identity theft, deepfakes, commercial exploitation, and reputational harm while balancing free speech and artistic expression interests.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "likeness": Defining what constitutes protected likeness (digital recreations, AI-generated simulations, parodies) versus unprotected general appearance will be contentious
  • Commercial vs. non-commercial use distinction: Determining whether non-commercial, transformative, or educational uses deserve different treatment than commercial exploitation
  • Penalty proportionality: Whether proposed penalties are proportionate, particularly regarding severity relative to other Montana laws and whether they might chill legitimate speech or parody

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

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