In one paragraph
Georgia's HB 993 closes a defense for digitally altered child sexual abuse images. A new subsection (b.2) of O.C.G.A. 16-12-100, the sexual exploitation of children law, says it is not a defense that a visual medium was created, adapted or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct. That covers creating, distributing, possessing or bringing such material into Georgia, so edited, morphed or AI-made images of a real, identifiable child are treated like other child sexual abuse material. The act also creates a separate felony of grooming a minor (16-12-100.5), which is not AI-specific.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Tools and platforms used to create or share altered or AI-made sexual images of real, identifiable children expose users to Georgia's child sexual exploitation felonies.
Key provisions
- O.C.G.A. 16-12-100(b.2): no defense that a visual medium 'was created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct'
- Applies to the existing offenses of creating, reproducing, publishing, selling, distributing, exhibiting, possessing with intent to distribute, bringing into Georgia, and possessing or controlling such material
- Limited to images of an identifiable minor; images of wholly fictional children are not addressed
- Also creates the felony of grooming a minor for indecent purposes (O.C.G.A. 16-12-100.5, 1 to 5 years), which is not specific to AI
Latest legislative action
Apr 24, 2024. Signed by Governor
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error