This bill establishes a Deepfake 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 or visual media, commonly known as deepfakes. The unit will be responsible for providing technical assistance, expertise, education, and training to state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts regarding the investigation and analysis of potentially 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 Deepfake Technology Unit issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature starting one year after its formation. This report will include details on the unit's activities, advancements in technology related to deepfakes, changes in relevant laws, collaborations with academic and private sector entities, and recommendations for future legislation and regulations. To support the establishment and functioning of this unit, the bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety.