While federal regulation of AI in the United States continues after President Joe Biden’s executive order, many states are also taking proactive steps to address the issue. In the state of Ohio, state Senators Louis Blessing and Terry Johnson are sponsoring Senate Bill 217, legislation that was proposed by Dave Yost, the state’s Attorney General.
Senate Bill 217 features several measures related to AI and identity fraud. It would require AI systems to add a visible watermark to any AI-generated product informing users it was made by AI. Removing the watermark to conceal AI origin would be prohibited. It allows civil lawsuits for aggrieved parties and authorizes the Attorney General to seek injunctions and impose $10,000 fines for violations.
The bill would ban simulated child pornography, including images of minors generated by AI. It requires removing such images from websites, social media, and providers within 24 hours of notification or face civil penalties.
It prohibits identity fraud using a replica of a person created through AI to impersonate them. It bans speech synthesis or manipulated images to replicate a person without consent to make financial decisions, harm reputation, depict nudity/sexual acts, or facilitate other crimes. Affirmative defenses allow law enforcement/ attorneys to use replicas in investigations with consent.
For general identity fraud crimes, penalties increase based on the value of funds/services illegally obtained. Penalties are heightened if victims are minors, elderly, disabled, active duty military or spouses. Fines up to $50,000 for elderly victims support elder abuse protections. Civil lawsuits are authorized for identity fraud victims.
The bill aims to limit realistic AI content that deceives people, harms reputations, or enables crimes. It tries to balance free speech with protecting vulnerable groups and individuals from exploitation. Stiff penalties deter criminal use of AI. Required disclosures aim to increase transparency around AI-generated content.
The bill was introduced last month in the Senate, but no other action has been taken on the proposed bill.
If you’re wondering how this and other bills could impact you, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI with your questions and concerns. Their Audit Experts are ready to provide valuable assistance.
