Scherer-Backed Measure Targeting Nonconsensual Deepfakes Heads to the Governor’s Desk

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is cracking down on high-tech exploitation by passing legislation that will crack  down on efforts to use AI technology to harass and intimidate with sexually explicit ‘deepfake’ images.

“Protecting a person’s privacy and control over their own image is paramount to keeping people safe online,” said Scherer. “People should not have to live in fear of this kind of exploitation.”

Scherer sponsored House Bill 2123, which allows an individual who is depicted in a sexual manner to take civil legal action against the producer of the material. As AI technology makes fake images easier to create, pornographic deepfakes have been used to harass, intimidate, and extort people.

House Bill 2123 passed through the House and the Senate with overwhelmingly support and now heads to the governor’s desk.

“As a mother and grandmother and woman, I am deeply horrified that this sort of content is available for people to consume,” said Scherer. “We cannot allow the continuation of this digital sexual assault and harassment. I am proud of this bill that takes a stand to protect women and children across the state from harassers and abusers online.”