In one paragraph
New Jersey's A1359 would add 'deceptive audio or visual media' (deepfakes) to the State's invasion-of-privacy law, making it a third-degree crime, with a fine of up to $30,000, to disclose such intimate media of a person without consent, knowing one is not licensed or privileged to do so. It would add such media to the child sexual exploitation offenses and let the person depicted sue.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
No business-specific duties. Anyone, including a business, who discloses intimate deepfakes of a person without consent, knowing it is not licensed or privileged to do so, would face criminal and civil liability.
Key provisions
- Section 1(c) (amending C.2C:14-9): disclosing intimate images, including 'deceptive audio or visual media', without consent, knowing one is not licensed or privileged to do so, is a third-degree crime; a fine of up to $30,000 may be imposed.
- Section 2 (amending N.J.S.2C:24-4): includes deceptive audio or visual media depicting a child in a prohibited sexual act or sexually suggestive manner among items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child, so the existing offenses and penalties apply.
- Section 3 (amending C.2A:58D-1): a person depicted may sue in Superior Court; the court may award actual damages with liquidated damages of at least $1,000 per violation, punitive damages for willful or reckless disregard, attorney's fees and equitable relief; no criminal conviction is required first.
- Section 4: takes effect immediately.
Latest legislative action
Jan 13, 2026. Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
Sponsors (showing 5 of 19)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Benson, Daniel R. | Primary |
| Downey, Joann | Primary |
| Kennedy, James J. | Primary |
| Murphy, Carol A. | Primary |
| Park, Ellen J. | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
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