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AI Summary
This bill criminalizes the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, including digitally forged images, with defined penalties.
Business Impact
If you use AI to create or modify images in South Carolina, you must ensure effective consent for dissemination or face significant penalties.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
The South Carolina bill H3058 establishes strict regulations against the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, including those altered or created using AI. It defines key terms and outlines penalties for violations, impacting individuals and businesses that handle such images. Compliance is crucial to avoid severe legal repercussions.
Key Provisions
- Defines 'digitally forged intimate image' and 'effective consent'.
- Establishes penalties for unauthorized dissemination of intimate images.
- Exempts law enforcement from certain provisions under specific circumstances.
- Clarifies that prior consent for image creation does not imply consent for dissemination.
- Prohibits duplication of intimate images for criminal discovery requests.
- Specifies that violations are separate offenses and do not preclude other charges.
Latest Legislative Action
Act No. 37
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 21)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| B. Newton | Primary |
| Bradley | Primary |
| Brawley | Primary |
| Clyburn | Primary |
| Cobb-Hunter | Primary |
Roll Call Votes
Concur in Amendments: in Senate Amendments ·
May 7, 2025
112 Yea
0 Nay
11 Other
Passed ✓
2nd Reading ·
May 1, 2025
40 Yea
0 Nay
6 Other
Passed ✓
Passage of Bill ·
Apr 22, 2025
108 Yea
0 Nay
15 Other
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Obtain effective consent before disseminating any intimate images.
Who: Individuals and entities creating or sharing intimate images.
Penalty: Fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for repeat offenses.
Who: Individuals and entities creating or sharing intimate images.
Penalty: Fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for repeat offenses.
Ensure compliance with definitions of intimate images and digitally forged images.
Who: Businesses and individuals involved in image creation or sharing.
Penalty: Legal consequences including felony charges for violations.
Who: Businesses and individuals involved in image creation or sharing.
Penalty: Legal consequences including felony charges for violations.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
Bill H3058 amends the South Carolina Code of Laws to introduce Section 16-15-330 and Section 16-15-332, which define terms and create penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images and digitally forged images. The bill prohibits the dissemination of such images without effective consent, emphasizing that prior consent for creation does not equate to consent for dissemination. Individuals and entities that create or share intimate images must ensure they have effective consent from the depicted individuals to avoid legal consequences. Penalties for violations vary based on intent, with felonies carrying fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to ten years for repeat offenders. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement is exempt under specific circumstances, and violations are treated as separate offenses, not lesser-included offenses of other crimes. This legislation aligns with growing concerns over privacy and consent in the digital age, particularly as technology evolves to create more realistic images through AI.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View H3058 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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