AI, Deepfake Porn Banned Under House-Passed Bills

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 04/24/2025) Bills that address the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence and its use in creating sexually explicit content passed the House on Thursday.

HB 4047 and HB 4048 create protections and civil and criminal penalties for non-consensual creation or distribution of sexually explicit content made with artificial intelligence, also known as “deep fakes.”

Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) said in a floor speech that since she introduced the same legislation last term, AI has become more powerful, impactful and prevalent.

“You can even use it to write a political speech, although I have not done that today,” Tsernoglou said.

She said these bills were designed in response to the horrors that victims whose likenesses have been used for deepfakes have endured.

Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) said bad actors are using the technology to create explicit content, and this isn’t something that only affects celebrities.

“These are not harmless pranks. They are deeply invasive violations that can destroy reputations, careers and mental health,” he said. “This sends a clear message in Michigan. We will not tolerate the exploitation of someone’s identity for clicks, profit or revenge but (we will) stand up for privacy, for decency and for justice.”

The bills both passed 104-1 with Rep. Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers) voting no and Reps. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), Tom Kuhn (R-Troy), Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) and Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) absent.