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UT SB0256: Identity Protection Modifications

Effective May 6, 2026 Utah · 2026 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

SB0256 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since May 6, 2026
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

Utah SB 256 (2026) applies defamation law to deepfakes and strengthens likeness rights. It is not a defense to libel or slander that content was created with generative AI, computer animation or digital manipulation. Before suing over digitally created content, a plaintiff must give the publisher written notice, and removal within 10 days limits recovery to actual damages. It establishes an exclusive right to consent to use of one's identity and extends the Abuse of Personal Identity Act, as amended by 2025 SB 271, to distributing or trafficking in identity-replication tools, with exemptions. Effective May 6, 2026.

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

What it means for business

Publishers and AI tool providers in Utah face defamation and likeness claims over deepfakes, with a takedown window that limits damages.

Key provisions

  1. Utah Code 45-2-3.5: generative AI, animation or digital manipulation is not a defense to libel or slander
  2. 45-2-14: written notice to the publisher before suit over digitally created content; removal within 10 days limits recovery to actual damages
  3. Establishes an exclusive right to consent to use of one's personal identity
  4. Abuse of Personal Identity Act expanded to unauthorized distribution of, and trafficking in, identity-replication tools
  5. Section 230-covered services are not made liable

Latest legislative action

Mar 26, 2026. Governor Signed; Laws of Utah 2026, Chapter 489

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI LikenessAI Liability

Affected industries

MediaTechnology

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 Utah

All Utah bills →
SB271 Unauthorized Artificial Intelligence Impersonation Amendments HB464 Social Media Amendments HJR26 Joint Resolution Amending Rules of Evidence to Address Machine-Generated Evidenc HB13 Sexual Extortion Amendments HB249 Utah Legal Personhood Amendments SB66 Criminal Offense Amendments

Same topic in other states

Montana HB513 Revise laws related to use of name, voice, and likeness of individuals and penal Tennessee HB2091 AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 1 and Title Illinois HB4875 PUBLICITY ACT-USE OF AI Georgia HB1603 Georgia Entertainment Artificial Intelligence Accountability and Performer Prote California SB1142 Digital Dignity Act. Mississippi SB2046 Mississippians' Right to Name, Likeness and Voice Act; enact.