Maine is making targeted moves on AI regulation, with 9 bills currently tracked. The state has focused its initial AI efforts on two high-priority areas: protecting individuals from AI-generated deepfake images and restricting children’s access to AI chatbots. Notably, LD 1944 has passed both chambers, positioning Maine as an early mover on deepfake protections in New England.
Current Data
Currently tracking 9 bills in Maine. 3 enacted, 1 in committee. Data updates automatically.
AI Deepfake Image Protections: LD 1944 (Passed Both Chambers)
LD 1944 protects individuals from the threatened unauthorized dissemination of certain private images, including artificially generated private images. This bill has passed both chambers of the Maine Legislature, making it the state’s most advanced AI legislation.
Who Is Covered
Any individual or organization that creates, possesses, or threatens to disseminate AI-generated private images of another person without their consent. This includes deepfake creators, platforms that host such content, and individuals who use AI-generated images for harassment, extortion, or other harmful purposes.
Key Provisions
- Creates legal protections against the threatened unauthorized dissemination of AI-generated private images
- Covers both actual dissemination and the threat of dissemination—a broader scope than many state deepfake laws
- Applies to artificially generated images alongside real images, closing a common legal gap
- Provides remedies for victims of AI-generated image abuse
See our deepfake laws by state tracker for comparison with other states’ approaches.
Children’s AI Chatbot Restrictions: LD 2162 (In Committee)
LD 2162 aims to regulate and prevent children’s access to AI chatbots with human-like features and social AI companions. The bill reflects growing concerns about the impact of AI companion apps on minors’ mental health and development.
Key Provisions
- Restricts children’s access to AI chatbots that display human-like conversational features
- Targets social AI companion applications designed to simulate human relationships
- Addresses concerns about emotional dependency, data privacy, and inappropriate content exposure for minors
Maine joins a growing number of states addressing AI companion chatbot risks to minors, following similar proposals in Georgia (SB 540) and Michigan (SB 0760). See our AI disclosure requirements tracker for related laws.
Key Bills at a Glance
| Bill | Topic | Status |
|---|---|---|
| LD 1944 | AI deepfake image protections | Passed Both Chambers |
| LD 2162 | Children’s AI chatbot restrictions | In Committee |
What Maine Doesn’t Regulate—Yet
Maine has not introduced legislation in several areas where other states are active:
- Employment AI: No restrictions on AI in hiring or automated employment decisions
- Healthcare AI: No requirements for human oversight of AI-driven medical decisions
- Insurance AI: No AI fairness or transparency rules for insurers
- Consumer AI rights: No comprehensive AI transparency or data privacy framework beyond existing Maine privacy law
- Political AI: No disclosure requirements for AI-generated political content
Compliance Checklist for Maine
- Review AI image generation policies — if your platform generates or hosts AI-generated images, assess exposure under LD 1944’s protections against unauthorized dissemination threats
- Audit chatbot age verification — if you operate AI chatbots with human-like features, prepare for potential minor access restrictions under LD 2162
- Assess content moderation — review policies for detecting and removing non-consensual AI-generated images on your platforms
- Monitor cross-state obligations — Maine businesses serving customers in states with broader AI laws must comply with those states’ requirements
- Track the legislature — Maine’s focused approach may expand to additional AI areas in future sessions
For a complete index of Maine AI legislation, visit our Maine AI laws page.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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