North Dakota considers bill aimed at sexually explicit deepfakes

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Another bill being considered in North Dakota would make sexually explicit deepfakes illegal.

Under the new bill, those caught making, possessing, or distributing such deepfakes with the intent to deceive people guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

People found guilty could potentially also be registered as a sex offender, and could also be forced to pay up $10,000 to the person that was impersonated.

The bill also allows courts to protect their identity and privacy of deepfake victims.

“Imagine for a minute, if you would, a loved one’s face placed on a porn video. Or people using deepfakes to try to avoid child pornography charges. That’s what this is about,” said Rep. Bernie Satrom (R-Jamestown).

There was no testimony in opposition to the bill, but supporters asked for it to be amended to protect internet service providers from being prosecuted.