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WV SB170: Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act

Dead/Failed West Virginia · 2025 session

Last verified May 19, 2026 · official bill text

SB170 · where it stands

This bill did not become law (dead/failed) · last action Feb 12, 2025.

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.
Signed / enacted
Signed into law; it may or may not be in effect yet.
In effect
The effective date has passed.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

The bill establishes the Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act, prohibiting the distribution of deep fakes depicting sexual conduct without consent.

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

What it means for business

If you distribute digital media in West Virginia, you must ensure consent for any deep fake content or face significant penalties.

What this means

The Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act aims to regulate the distribution of deep fake media depicting sexual conduct without consent. This legislation targets individuals who distribute such media with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate, establishing clear definitions and penalties for violations.

Key provisions

  1. Defines 'deep fake' and 'non-consensual' to clarify the law's scope.
  2. Prohibits the distribution of deep fakes depicting sexual conduct without consent.
  3. Establishes penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.
  4. Allows for injunctive relief for individuals harmed by non-consensual deep fakes.
  5. Excludes constitutionally protected speech from the definition of deep fakes.
  6. Provides a safe harbor for media that includes clear disclosures.

Compliance checklist

  • Obtain consent from individuals depicted in deep fake media before distribution. Who: Media distributors and content creators. Penalty: Fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment.
  • Ensure clear disclosures are included if publishing manipulated media. Who: Content creators and distributors. Penalty: Potential legal action for non-compliance.

Latest legislative action

Feb 12, 2025. To Judiciary

Full analysis

The Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act prohibits the intentional distribution of deep fake media that depicts individuals engaging in sexual conduct without their consent. The bill defines key terms such as 'deep fake' and 'non-consensual' to clarify the scope of the law. Individuals who distribute such media with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate must ensure they have the consent of the depicted individuals to avoid penalties. Violations can result in significant fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. The bill also provides for injunctive relief for those harmed by such media, allowing affected individuals to seek legal remedies. This legislation reflects a growing trend among states to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies like deep fakes, which can have serious implications for privacy and consent.

Sponsors

NameRoleDistrict
R Sponsor SD-001

Related and companion bills

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Deepfakes

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

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