A bipartisan effort in the Texas Senate is gaining momentum to combat the rise of AI-generated child pornography. Senate Bill 20, unanimously approved, aims to ban possession of obscene material that appears to depict minors, including computer-generated images and cartoons. The bill, proposed by Sen. Pete Flores, seeks to protect children from harmful content and crimes arising from AI technology.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has highlighted the importance of addressing the issue in Texas, emphasizing the need for legislation as the law catches up with advancing technology. SB 20 would make violations a state jail felony with penalties of up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The bill is part of a larger package of legislation targeting the intersection of AI and child pornography.
Sen. Joan Huffman has also introduced a bill to update child pornography laws to include the depiction of computer-generated children. The House is also taking action on the issue, with Rep. Ann Johnson leading efforts to address AI-generated imagery and cyberbullying in schools. Other bills aim to strengthen and streamline child pornography laws to include AI-manipulated images and protect potential victims.
Lawmakers and advocates are focused on protecting children and preventing the spread of AI-generated pornography, recognizing the harm it can cause to viewers and potential victims. Texas is among many states working to address this growing problem and implement laws to combat the use of advanced technology in the exploitation of minors. The bipartisan support for these bills reflects the urgency of the issue and the determination to safeguard children from emerging threats.
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