In one paragraph
Montana's HB 514 (Chapter 686 of 2025) extends the offense of violating privacy in communications to digitally fabricated intimate images. Digitally fabricated means created with technical means, such as artificial intelligence, to realistically show an identifiable person doing something they did not do. It is a crime to publish, distribute or disclose real or fabricated nude or sexual images of an identifiable person without consent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, injure or get money, or to possess them and threaten disclosure for money. A first offense is a misdemeanor; a second or later is a felony with up to five years and a $25,000 fine. Effective October 1, 2025.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Using AI-generated nude images of real people to harass or extort them is a crime in Montana, with felony penalties for repeat offenders.
Key provisions
- 45-8-213(6)(a): 'digitally fabricated' means using technical means, such as artificial intelligence, to create media that realistically misrepresents an identifiable individual as engaging in conduct they did not engage in
- 45-8-213(1)(d): publishing, distributing or disclosing real or digitally fabricated images of an identifiable person's intimate parts or sexual acts without consent, to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, injure or obtain money or other valuable consideration
- 45-8-213(1)(e): possessing and threatening to disclose such real or digitally fabricated images to obtain money or other valuable consideration
- First offense is a misdemeanor; a second or subsequent conviction under (1)(d) or (1)(e) is a felony punishable by up to five years, a $25,000 fine, or both
- Exceptions for voluntary public or commercial exposure, public-interest and law enforcement disclosures, and historic, artistic, scientific or educational materials; interactive computer services are not liable for others' content
- Effective October 1, 2025
Latest legislative action
May 13, 2025. Signed by Governor; Chapter 686
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