South Carolina has 25 AI-related bills currently tracked. The state’s legislative focus spans deepfake intimate images, AI infrastructure rights, therapy AI restrictions, and consumer protection. H3058 has passed both chambers and would criminalize unauthorized disclosure of AI-generated intimate images, while H4657 takes a novel approach with a Right to Compute Act. This guide covers what businesses operating in South Carolina need to know.
Current Data
Currently tracking 25 bills in South Carolina. 0 enacted, 4 in committee. Data updates automatically.
Deepfake Intimate Images: H3058 (Passed Both Chambers)
H3058 creates the offense of unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, including AI-generated synthetic intimate images. The bill has passed both chambers and would make it a criminal offense to create or distribute non-consensual intimate images generated by artificial intelligence. This places South Carolina among the growing number of states addressing deepfake NCII (non-consensual intimate imagery).
Businesses operating platforms where users can create or share AI-generated content should implement safeguards against NCII generation and establish reporting mechanisms. See our deepfake laws by state tracker for comparison with other states.
Right to Compute Act: H4657
H4657 is a novel proposal that would enact the “Right to Compute Act.” The bill would require risk management policies for critical infrastructure controlled by artificial intelligence systems and establish when private citizens and businesses have the right to use AI computing resources. This bill takes a unique infrastructure-focused approach that few other states have considered.
The Right to Compute concept addresses a growing concern: as AI becomes essential to business operations, should access to AI computing be treated as a regulated utility or right? South Carolina is among the first states to propose legislation in this area.
AI and Therapy: S0788
S0788 addresses the intersection of artificial intelligence and therapy or psychotherapy. The bill would prohibit licensed professionals from using AI in certain therapy contexts and define the boundaries of permissible AI use in mental health treatment. This follows the national trend of states like Oklahoma (SB 2037) and Rhode Island (H7349) regulating AI in behavioral health.
Consumer Protection: S0963
S0963 would enact the “Consumer Protections in Interactions with Artificial Intelligence Systems Act.” The bill would prohibit algorithmic discrimination arising from AI systems, establish disclosure requirements, and create consumer protections for interactions with AI. This is a broad consumer protection measure that could affect any business using AI to interact with South Carolina consumers.
Key Bills at a Glance
| Bill | Topic | Status |
|---|---|---|
| H3058 | Unauthorized disclosure of AI intimate images | Passed Both Chambers |
| H4657 | Right to Compute Act — AI infrastructure | Introduced |
| S0788 | AI and therapy/psychotherapy restrictions | Introduced |
| S0963 | Consumer AI protections & algorithmic discrimination | Introduced |
| H3621 | Healthy Students Act (technology component) | Introduced |
| H3960 | Career & technology center recognition | Passed Both Chambers |
What’s Regulated: Key Themes
- Deepfake NCII — Criminal penalties for AI-generated intimate images (H3058, passed both chambers)
- AI Infrastructure — Right to compute and critical infrastructure AI risk management (H4657)
- Mental Health — Restrictions on AI in therapy and psychotherapy (S0788)
- Consumer Protection — Algorithmic discrimination ban and AI interaction protections (S0963)
Compliance Checklist for South Carolina
- Content platform safeguards — H3058 has passed both chambers; implement deepfake NCII detection and reporting if you operate a content platform
- Review consumer AI interactions — S0963 could require disclosures and algorithmic fairness measures for consumer-facing AI in South Carolina
- Assess therapy AI boundaries — If your AI products are used in mental health settings, monitor S0788 for usage restrictions
- AI infrastructure planning — H4657 is early-stage but could reshape how AI compute resources are regulated; track if you operate AI infrastructure
- Monitor multi-state deepfake compliance — With H3058 advancing, align South Carolina compliance with your existing deepfake policies in other states
For a complete index of South Carolina AI legislation, visit our South Carolina 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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