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AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-375, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE DISSEMINATION OF HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINORS, SO AS TO DEFINE "IDENTIFIABLE MINOR" AND "MORPHED IMAGE"; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-412 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR ARREST WARRANTS WHEN THE OFFENSE INCLUDES MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THOSE GUILTY OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS IN THE FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD DEGREE ON THE APPROPRIATE TIERS OF THE REGISTRY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
In one paragraph
South Carolina's Act 58 of 2025 (S. 29) targets digitally manipulated sexual images of real children. It defines "identifiable minor" and "morphed image" in S.C. Code 16-15-375: a visual depiction created, adapted or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexual conduct or is in sexually explicit nudity. Creating, distributing, receiving or possessing morphed images is added to the first, second and third degree sexual exploitation of minors offenses (16-15-395, -405, -410). New 16-15-412 limits arrest warrants for morphed-image offenses. It took effect on the Governor's approval, May 22, 2025.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Apps and platforms that generate or alter images face criminal exposure where their output makes a real, identifiable child appear in sexual content.
Key provisions
- S.C. Code 16-15-375: defines "identifiable minor" and "morphed image" (a depiction created, adapted or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexual conduct or in sexually explicit nudity)
- 16-15-395: first degree sexual exploitation of a minor covers creating or producing morphed images of an identifiable minor for sale or pecuniary gain
- 16-15-405 and 16-15-410: second degree (producing, distributing, receiving) and third degree (possession) offenses cover morphed images
- A minor's first offense involving a morphed image is a family court misdemeanor, and adjudicated minors are not required to register
- New 16-15-412: arrest warrants for morphed-image offenses only on a state grand jury true bill or after an ICAC Task Force investigation with the Attorney General's Office
- Adds the exploitation offenses to the appropriate sex offender registry tiers
Latest legislative action
May 22, 2025. Signed By Governor (Act No. 58)
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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