Senate passes child exploitation bill concerning artificial intelligence | News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Senate unanimously passed legislation put forth by Attorney General Kwame Raoul clarifying Illinois child pornography laws and artificial intelligence (AI).
Started by Attorney General Kwame Raoul and sponsored by Senator Mary Edly-Allen, House Bill (HB) 4623 clarifies Illinois child pornography laws as applying to AI generated images and videos depicting real children or obscene imagery. Additionally, the bill prohibits the nonconsensual circulation of certain sexual images created using AI.
“I initiated this legislation because AI-generated child pornography is an increasing concern, and it is one that we need to get addressed before the technology outpaces our ability to distinguish between AI images and images of real children,” Raoul said. “Just like child sexual abuse images containing real children, AI-generated child pornography is used by predators to lure and groom minors and to normalize their own reprehensible behavior and child sexual abuse. We must be able to address AI-generated child sexual abuse images the same way existing law covers images of actual children. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to protect our children from the trauma of exploitation, and this is a critical step in the right direction.”
Expert testimonial from the Attorney General’s office explained how technological advancements in the realistic creation of AI-created images and videos of children are being used in the creation of child pornography, and the harmful effects it has on the real children whose likenesses are being used.
“We must protect our children and implement strong regulations as new threats are constantly developing with unregulated AI programs,” said Edly-Allen. “I commend Attorney General Raoul and State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for their tireless efforts to ensure the safety and protection of current and future generations.”
Raoul’s office runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigating online reports (Cyber Tips) of child pornography from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Since 2006, the task force has been involved in over 2,010 arrests of sexual predators.
For urgent breaking news and severe weather updates – click here to download the 13 WREX News App and the 13 WREX Weather Authority App.
