Skip to content

Session Expired

Your session has expired. Please sign in again to continue where you left off.

Sign In Again

MA H4744: An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation

Enacted Massachusetts · 2023–2024 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

H4744 · where it stands

4 of 5 steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Date not recorded
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Massachusetts Chapter 118 of the Acts of 2024 criminalizes non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including fabricated ones. Under G.L. c.265 s.43A(b), knowingly distributing visual material, including material produced by "digitization" (creating or altering images, including through computer-generated images, so they falsely appear authentic), that shows an identifiable person nude, partially nude or in sexual conduct, with intent to harm or reckless disregard of harm or lack of consent, is criminal harassment. The act also creates an Attorney General sexting diversion program.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Platforms and AI image tools hosting or enabling fabricated intimate images of identifiable people face criminal-harassment exposure for users who distribute them; consent to create is not consent to share.

Key provisions

  1. G.L. c.265 s.43A(b): defines digitization as creating or altering visual material, including with computer-generated images, so it falsely appears to be an authentic representation of the person
  2. Knowingly distributing nude, partially nude or sexual visual material of an identifiable person, including digitized material, with intent to harm or reckless disregard of harm or lack of consent, is criminal harassment
  3. Punishable by up to 2.5 years in a house of correction, a fine of up to $10,000, or both
  4. Consent to the creation of visual material is not consent to its distribution; court records of the material are impounded
  5. New G.L. c.12 s.36: Attorney General educational diversion program for minors, covering responsible use of visual material digitization

Latest legislative action

Jun 20, 2024. Signed by the Governor, Chapter 118 of the Acts of 2024

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Intimate Images

Affected industries

TechnologyMedia

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

Related AI laws in Massachusetts

All Massachusetts bills →
H846 Enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising S2631 To protect against election misinformation S44 To protect against election misinformation H5094 An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advert H74 Relative to the contracting of digital replicas S2963 An Act relative to justice, equity and accountability in law enforcement in the

Same topic in other states

Tennessee SB1346 AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 28 and Title 39, Chapter 17, rel Wyoming HB85 Unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. Oklahoma HB1364 Crimes and punishments; sexual obscenity; making certain acts unlawful; effectiv New Hampshire HB1319 Relative to prohibiting the nonconsensual dissemination of synthetic sexual imag Connecticut HB7287 An Act Concerning the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2027, and Ma Montana HB514 Criminalize use of real and digitally fabricated sexually explicit images