This bill establishes the Deep Fake Technology Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice in the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by deceptive audio and visual media, commonly known as deep fakes. The unit will provide technical assistance, expertise, education, and training to state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts to enhance their ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute offenses related to deceptive media. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Chief Technology Officer of the New Jersey Office of Information Technology, will oversee the establishment of this unit, which will be staffed as necessary and supervised by a manager with relevant technical and legal expertise.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the unit issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature starting one year after its formation. This report will include detailed information on the unit's activities, technological advancements in deep fake detection, changes in related laws, collaborations with academic institutions and the private sector, and legislative recommendations. To support the establishment and functioning of the unit, the bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety.