Today, the Oregon House passed HB 2299 A, which criminalizes the dissemination of pornographic or sexually explicit images generated through artificial intelligence (AI). The bipartisan bill comes as Oregonians face an exponential rise in the circulation of AI-generated intimate deepfakes depicting people engaging in sexual acts. The vast majority of the victims are women and children.
“I am very pleased that the House passed this important bill to protect Oregonians–especially women and youth–from being cruelly victimized by the sharing of false, AI-generated intimate images,” said Representative Kevin L. Mannix (R-Salem). “It’s my hope that the passage of this bill will prevent more victims from experiencing significant emotional consequences and trauma, as well as damage to their reputations and careers.”
To celebrate the passage of HB 2299, Rep. Mannix hosted Kristi George, and her husband, Bill, on the House Floor. Kristi, along with her daughter have endured a deeply traumatic and ongoing violation of their privacy after falling victims to what’s commonly known as “revenge porn” with artificial images.
“Kristi’s courage in stepping forward, not just to tell her story but to fight for change, is extraordinary,” said Rep. Mannix on the House Floor. “Her voice is helping to expose a dangerous loophole in our legal system—one that we urgently need to close. I want to thank Kristi, sincerely, for her bravery and her commitment to ensuring no one else in Oregon has to suffer what she and her daughter have endured.”
HB 2299 A updates the current statute to include AI-generated and altered images to the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. The bill expands the definition of an “image” to include: a digitally created, manipulated, or altered depiction that is reasonably realistic. The defendant must intend to harass, humiliate or injure a victim, with the victim having experienced harassment, humiliation, or injury. The unlawful dissemination of an intimate image is a Class A misdemeanor under this bill.
HB 2299 A passed with unanimous support and will head to the Senate for consideration.
Rep. Kevin Mannix can be contacted at Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov