The bill introduces comprehensive amendments to the Revised Code aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content generation, with a focus on protecting minors and preventing identity fraud. Key provisions require AI-generated products to include a watermark indicating their origin and provenance data for tracing content creation. The bill establishes penalties for removing these watermarks and for distributing AI-generated content with false authenticity claims. It also explicitly prohibits the creation and distribution of simulated child pornography and identity fraud involving replicas of individuals. To enhance enforcement, the attorney general is granted the authority to investigate violations, administer oaths, and subpoena witnesses, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 for specific infractions.

Additionally, the bill strengthens protections against the exploitation of minors and impaired individuals by prohibiting the creation, distribution, or possession of materials depicting them in sexual contexts, classifying such violations as felonies. It expands the definition of personal identifying information to include AI-generated replicas and prohibits their unauthorized use for fraudulent purposes. The bill also addresses identity fraud by classifying offenses based on the value of the fraud and the victim's status, mandating restitution for elderly victims, and allowing individuals whose information is misused to seek damages. Overall, the legislation aims to bolster accountability in digital content creation and enhance protections for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1345.51, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2913.49
As Reported By Senate Committee: 1345.51, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2913.49
As Passed By Senate: 1345.51, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2913.49