This bill amends New Jersey law to address the issues of nonconsensual pornographic deepfake images and threats related to such images. It updates the definition of crimes related to invasion of privacy by including the creation and disclosure of deepfake images that depict another person’s intimate parts or sexual acts without their consent. Specifically, it establishes that an actor commits a crime of the fourth degree if they disclose a nonconsensual pornographic deepfake image, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 18 months and fines up to $10,000. The bill also defines a deepfake as an image, video, or audio recording that appears authentic but does not depict actual conduct by the person.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of criminal coercion to explicitly include threats to disclose nonconsensual pornographic deepfake images. This change clarifies that such threats are considered a form of coercion that unlawfully restricts another person's freedom of action. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance protections against privacy violations and coercive threats in the context of emerging technologies, ensuring that individuals are safeguarded from the misuse of deepfake technology.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:14-9