Yang Rohr Passes Bill Protecting Kids from AI-Based Cyberbullying

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is ensuring school districts are prepared to properly address a growing form of cyberbullying in which sexually explicit imagery generated by artificial intelligence (AI) is used to bully, intimidate and humiliate students.

 

“As technology evolves, our legislation needs to keep pace and stay ahead of developments,” Yang Rohr said. “With the increase in access to AI-powered programs, we’ve also seen a rise in some misusing these resources to hurt those around them – and leaving schools unclear on how they should respond. I am proud that the House has joined me in making sure that student safety always comes first. Bullies need to know their actions will have consequences, and this bill will create those consequences.”

 

Yang Rohr’s House Bill 299 updates best practices for school districts contending with cyberbullying. With the rise of AI software capable of creating sexually explicit deep fakes of anyone or anything, advocates and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) saw the need for clearer language for districts and staff to combat rising levels of AI-based cyberbullying.

 

House Bill 299 received unanimous bipartisan support in the House, and now awaits consideration in the Senate.