AI-Generated Intimate Images
Important: Bridging the Boundary does not provide legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time. The information provided here is intended to help individuals understand potential legal protections and locate official resources. This site does not offer legal advice nor should its contents be taken as such.
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Federal Acts:
TAKE IT DOWN Act: Criminalizes the nonconsensual publication of intimate images, including deepfakes in some circumstances. The law also required certain websites and applications to implement processes for removing such images at the request of depicted individuals.
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Penal Code: Ala. Code § 13A-6-240
Alabama law makes it illegal to knowingly share or distribute an identifiable person's intimate image without their consent when they had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The law applies to original, edited, or AI-manipulated images. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor; repeat offenses may be charged as a Class C felony. HB 161 (2024) extended coverage to AI-generated synthetic content.
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Penal Code: 18 U.S.C. § 223 (Federal — TAKE IT DOWN Act)
Alaska does not currently have a state-level law specifically covering non-consensual AI-generated intimate images of adults. Residents are protected under the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act. Separate state CSAM laws (AS § 11.61.127) cover sexual imagery of minors but do not explicitly include purely AI-generated content with no real child involved.
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Penal Code: A.R.S. § 13-1425
Arizona makes it a crime to intentionally disclose or distribute intimate images — including AI-generated or digitally manipulated ones — of an identifiable person without their consent. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the image is published on a website or the victim suffers certain harms, it becomes a Class 6 felony. HB 2678 (2024) specifically updated the law to include synthetic and AI-generated content.
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Penal Code: Ark. Code Ann. § 5-26-314 (Act 827, 2025)
Arkansas law prohibits distributing synthetic intimate content — meaning AI-generated or digitally manipulated sexual images of a real, identifiable person — without their consent. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor; a second or subsequent offense is a Class D felony. The law also allows victims to sue civilly for damages.
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Penal Code: Cal. Civ. Code § 1708.86; Cal. Penal Code § 647(j)(4)
California has multiple overlapping laws. Under Civil Code § 1708.86, victims can sue anyone who creates or distributes AI-generated non-consensual sexual imagery. Under Penal Code § 647, distributing such images — real or AI-generated — with intent to harass or harm is a misdemeanor, with fines up to $2,500 per violation. Repeat offenses or cases involving minors can become felonies. SB 926 (2025) added criminal liability for creators who know their content will cause serious emotional distress.
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Penal Code: C.R.S. § 18-7-107.7 (SB 25-288, eff. Aug. 2025)
Colorado enacted a 2025 law making it illegal to create or distribute non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery — AI-generated or digitally altered sexual images of a real person — without consent. Violations carry both criminal penalties and a private right of action allowing victims to sue for damages. The law also covers threats to distribute such content.
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Penal Code: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-189c (PA 25-168, eff. Oct. 2025)
Connecticut's law makes it a crime to distribute intimate images — including AI-generated ones — of an identifiable person without their consent. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor; a subsequent offense or one involving a minor is a Class D felony.
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Penal Code: 11 Del. C. § 1335
Delaware prohibits the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including those that are digitally created or AI-generated. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor. If the content involves a minor or the defendant publishes to a website accessible to the public, it rises to a Class G felony. HB 353 (2024) updated definitions to specifically include synthetic media.
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Penal Code: Fla. Stat. § 836.13
Florida's law makes it a felony to willfully and maliciously share, publish, or threaten to share sexual imagery — including AI-generated or digitally manipulated images — of an identifiable person without their consent. Penalties can include prison time and civil damages with a minimum award of $10,000. Florida courts have upheld this in real cases — a jury awarded Megan Thee Stallion over $50,000 in damages under this statute.
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Penal Code: O.C.G.A. § 16-11-90 (amended by SB 78, 2024)
Georgia updated its non-consensual intimate image law to expressly include deepfake and AI-generated sexual imagery. It is illegal to intentionally disclose a synthetic intimate image of an identifiable person without consent when that person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. A first offense is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature; repeat offenses or cases involving a minor carry enhanced penalties.
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Penal Code: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 711-1110.9
Hawaii's law makes it a petty misdemeanor to non-consensually disclose intimate visual material. The law was updated to include deepfakes and digitally altered imagery. Synthetic content generally falls within existing definitions, though no explicit AI-language amendment had passed as of early 2026.
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Penal Code: Idaho Code § 18-6606 (HB 575, 2024)
Idaho makes it a crime to distribute or threaten to distribute 'explicit synthetic media' — AI-generated or digitally manipulated intimate images of a real person — without their consent. A first offense is a misdemeanor; subsequent offenses or publication on publicly accessible websites are felonies.
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Penal Code: 720 ILCS 5/11-23.5 and 5/11-23.7
Illinois has both criminal and civil pathways. The criminal statute (5/11-23.5) makes it a crime to distribute non-consensual sexual deepfakes. A separate provision (5/11-23.7) creates an explicit civil cause of action — victims can sue for damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief.
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Penal Code: nd. Code § 35-45-4-8 (HB 1047, 2024)
Indiana law prohibits distributing intimate images — including AI-generated or computer-altered ones — of a real, identifiable person without consent. A first offense is typically a Level 6 felony (up to 2.5 years); aggravating factors such as minor victims increase the penalty.
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Penal Code: Iowa Code § 708.7 (amended by HF 2240, 2024)
Iowa updated its harassment statute to cover non-consensual distribution of synthetic intimate imagery. The law treats AI-generated images the same as genuine photographs under the harassment framework. Separate child protection laws (SF 2243) add specific criminal penalties for AI-generated images involving minors.
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K.S.A. § 21-6101(a)(8)
Kansas classifies non-consensual distribution of intimate images — including AI-generated deepfakes — as a 'person felony,' one of the most serious criminal classifications in the state. This means a conviction can result in significant prison time, probation, and a permanent felony record. The law covers identifiable adults and minors.
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Penal Code: K.R.S. § 531.120
Kentucky's existing law (KRS 531.120) addresses non-consensual intimate images but predates AI-generated content and does not specifically name deepfakes or synthetic media. Adult victims of AI-generated imagery must currently rely on the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act, as broader adult NCII deepfake legislation has not passed.
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La. R.S. § 14:73.13
Louisiana has some of the harshest penalties in the country for non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes. Offenders can face 10 to 30 years in prison depending on the circumstances. Louisiana specifically called out AI-generated content in its statute, leaving little legal ambiguity.
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Penal Code: 17-A M.R.S. § 511-A (amended 2025)
Maine amended its existing non-consensual intimate image law in 2025 to explicitly include synthetic and AI-generated sexual imagery of identifiable persons. It is a crime to knowingly disseminate such content without consent. Penalties scale with the severity of harm and whether a minor is depicted.
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Penal Code: Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-809 (eff. July 1, 2025)
Maryland's law makes it illegal to distribute synthetic intimate imagery — AI-generated or digitally altered sexual images — of a real, identifiable person without consent. The law treats AI-generated content the same as real photographs and covers threats to distribute as well. The criminal penalty is up to 2 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
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Penal Code: M.G.L. c. 265 § 43A (H. 4744, eff. Sept. 2024)
Massachusetts criminalized sharing deepfake nudes — images created or altered through digitization or AI tools to falsely appear as an authentic intimate image of a real person. A first offense is a misdemeanor; repeat offenses carry enhanced penalties. Massachusetts has not yet separately updated its child sexual abuse material statutes to explicitly name AI-generated imagery.
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Penal Code: PA 11 and 12 of 2025
Michigan enacted two laws in 2025 making it a crime — ranging from misdemeanor to felony depending on circumstances — to create or distribute AI-generated sexual images of a real, identifiable person without consent. Civil remedies are also available to victims.
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Penal Code: Minn. Stat. § 617.262 (HF 1370, 2023)
Minnesota was one of the earlier states to act. It is a gross misdemeanor — and a felony for repeat or aggravated offenses — to intentionally distribute a non-consensual deepfake sexual image of an identifiable person. Minnesota also passed HF 1606 (2025), banning 'nudification' apps that digitally undress photos of real people without consent.
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Penal Code: Miss. Code § 97-45-25 (minors only, HB 1126, 2024)
Mississippi's enacted law specifically protects minors from AI-generated sexual imagery. A broader bill covering adult victims did not pass. Adults currently rely on the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act. If a minor is depicted, creating or distributing AI-generated imagery is a criminal offense.
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Penal Code: 18 U.S.C. § 223 (Federal — TAKE IT DOWN Act)
Missouri does not yet have a state-level law specifically covering non-consensual AI-generated intimate images of adults as of June 2026. Residents rely on the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act for protection.
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Penal Code: Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-213 (HB 514 / SB 413, 2025)
Montana enacted two laws in 2025 covering non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery for everyone. Violations can result in criminal charges and, for repeat offenders, felony penalties. Montana also enacted HB 513 providing up to $50,000 in civil damages per violation for unauthorized use of a person's AI-generated name, voice, or likeness.
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Penal Code: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-3501 et seq.
Nebraska's law addresses non-consensual distribution of intimate images with definitions updated to include computer-generated and synthetic content. Nebraska was notable for explicitly including 'digital image or computer displayed image' language in its statutes — one of the first states to draw that distinction clearly.
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Penal Code: N.R.S. § 200.780 (SB 263, eff. Oct. 2025)
Nevada makes non-consensual distribution of AI-generated or digitally altered intimate images a Category D felony, punishable by 1 to 4 years in prison. This is a notably strong criminal penalty for a first offense. Nevada also updated its child pornography statutes in 2025 to explicitly include computer-generated sexual images of minors.
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Penal Code: R.S.A. § 644:9-a (updated 2025)
New Hampshire updated its non-consensual intimate image statute to include AI-generated content. A first offense is typically a misdemeanor; escalating penalties apply for repeat offenses or cases involving minors. Victims also have a civil right of action under RSA 507:8-j.
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Penal Code: N.J. Stat. § P.L. 2025, c. 40 (signed Apr. 2, 2025)
New Jersey's 2025 law addresses sexual deepfakes, election deepfakes, and AI voice cloning. For non-consensual intimate imagery including AI-generated content, a violation is a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison). Victims can also seek civil damages up to $30,000.
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Penal Code: 18 U.S.C. § 223 (Federal — TAKE IT DOWN Act)
New Mexico has introduced multiple bills to address AI-generated intimate imagery, but none have passed as of June 2026. Residents rely on the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act. Election deepfake disclosure rules (HB 182, 2024) are in effect, but adult NCII deepfake legislation has stalled.
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Penal Code: N.Y. Penal Law § 245.15; Civ. Rights Law § 52-c
New York has both criminal and civil coverage. Penal Law § 245.15 makes it a crime to distribute non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. Civil Rights Law § 52-c provides a civil right of action with damages. New York's 2025 legislation also added protections for AI replication of voice and likeness under Civil Rights Law § 50-f.
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Penal Code: N.C.G.S. § 14-190.5A (updated 2024)
North Carolina updated its non-consensual intimate image law to include AI-generated and digitally manipulated imagery. It is a Class H felony — carrying up to 39 months in prison — to non-consensually disclose an intimate image, real or synthetic, of an identifiable person with intent to coerce, harass, or cause harm.
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Penal Code: N.D.C.C. § HB 1351 (2025)
North Dakota enacted HB 1351 in 2025, making it illegal to distribute non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery. Penalties include misdemeanor charges and up to $10,000 in civil damages per violation. Minors are separately protected under HB 1386.
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Penal Code: 18 U.S.C. § 223 (Federal — TAKE IT DOWN Act)
Ohio does not yet have a comprehensive state law specifically addressing non-consensual AI-generated intimate images as of June 2026, though multiple bills have passed the Senate. Ohio was the site of the first conviction under the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act (April 2026), when a man was convicted for using AI to create and distribute non-consensual intimate imagery of adults and children.
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Penal Code: Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1040.13b (2025)
Oklahoma updated its intimate image laws in 2025 to explicitly cover AI-generated and synthetic sexual content. It is illegal to knowingly distribute such imagery of a real, identifiable person without their consent. Oklahoma also has a right-of-publicity statute (12 O.S. § 1449) covering unauthorized use of a person's AI-generated voice or likeness.
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Penal Code: O.R.S. § 163.472 (HB 2299, eff. Jan. 2026)
Oregon's updated law specifically covers 'synthetic intimate imagery' — AI-generated or digitally manipulated sexual images of a real person. A first offense is a misdemeanor; repeat violations are felonies. Oregon was deliberate about including AI-generated content in the statutory definition rather than relying on courts to extend older language.
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Penal Code: 18 Pa. C.S. § 3131 (Act 125, 2024); § 4101.1 (Act 35, eff. Sept. 2025)
Pennsylvania has two key laws. Act 125 (§ 3131) makes it a crime to share AI-generated sexual imagery of a current or former intimate partner with intent to harass. Act 35 (§ 4101.1) creates a broader 'digital forgery' criminal offense for creating or distributing a forged digital likeness with harmful or fraudulent intent. First offense: first-degree misdemeanor. In fraud schemes: third-degree felony. The Pennsylvania AG has already charged multiple people under these laws.
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Penal Code: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-3 (2025)
Rhode Island enacted legislation in 2025 making it illegal to create or distribute AI-generated intimate images of a real, identifiable person without consent. Both adults and minors are covered.
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Penal Code: S.C. Code Ann. § H 3058 (2025)
South Carolina enacted H 3058 in 2025, making it a crime to distribute non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery — AI-generated or digitally manipulated sexual images of a real person. A first offense is a misdemeanor; enhanced penalties apply for repeat violations and cases involving minors under S 29.
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Penal Code: S.D.C.L. § 22-21-4 (amended by SB 79, 2025)
South Dakota's statute (§ 22-21-4) covers non-consensual intimate image sharing. SB 79 (2025) added minors-specific protections, amending child pornography statutes to include computer-generated imagery. Sharing AI-generated intimate images without consent is illegal for both adults and minors.
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Penal Code: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1906
Tennessee makes it a felony to distribute non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery. Tennessee is also notable for the ELVIS Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-25-1101 et seq., eff. July 1, 2024), the first law in the country written specifically to address AI voice cloning and unauthorized use of a person's AI-generated likeness. Victims may also pursue civil damages.
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Penal Code: Tex. Penal Code § 21.165
Texas Penal Code § 21.165 was enacted in 2023 specifically to address deepfake and AI-generated intimate images. It is illegal to intentionally disclose synthetic sexual imagery of a real, identifiable person without written consent. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor; publishing to a website or depicting a minor makes it a third-degree felony. Texas also updated § 43.26 in 2025 to separately address AI-generated child sexual abuse material, with penalties ranging up to life in prison for the most serious offenses.
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Penal Code: Utah Code § 76-5b-205
Utah has been legislating in this space since 2021 under the term 'counterfeit intimate images' — their language for AI-generated or digitally manipulated sexual imagery of a real person. Sharing such images without consent carries misdemeanor to felony penalties depending on the circumstances.
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Penal Code: 13 V.S.A. § 2606 (H. 878, 2024)
Vermont updated its non-consensual intimate image law in 2024 to include 'digitized images' — a term covering AI-generated and computer-manipulated sexual content. It is illegal to knowingly disclose such an image of an identifiable person without their consent.
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Penal Code: Va. Code § 18.2-386.2
Virginia was the first state in the country to address sexual deepfakes, updating its law in 2019 to expressly include AI-generated and computer-manipulated intimate images. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to create or distribute a non-consensual deepfake intimate image of an identifiable person. Virginia Code § 18.2-386.2 has served as a model for many other state laws.
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Penal Code: R.C.W. § 9A.86.030; R.C.W. § 9A.86.115 (HB 1205, eff. July 2025)
Washington has two laws covering AI-generated intimate imagery. Under § 9A.86.030, disclosing fabricated intimate images is a gross misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class C felony for repeat offenses. HB 1205 (2025) added a broader offense for using any 'forged digital likeness' to harass, defraud, or intimidate — up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Victims can also sue for civil damages.
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Penal Code: W.Va. Code § 61-8-28a (SB 198, 2025)
West Virginia enacted SB 198 in 2025, updating its intimate image distribution law to include AI-generated or synthetic sexual content. It is illegal to knowingly distribute non-consensual intimate imagery — including digitally created or manipulated images — of an identifiable person without consent.
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Penal Code: Wis. Stat. § 942.09 (Act 34, 2025)
Wisconsin updated § 942.09 in 2025 to extend its non-consensual intimate image statute to cover AI-generated and synthetic sexual content. It is now illegal to capture, reproduce, or distribute such imagery of a real, identifiable person without consent.
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Wyoming:
Wyo. Stat. § 6-4-307 (HB 102, eff. July 1, 2026)
Wyoming enacted HB 102 in March 2026, adding § 6-4-307 to explicitly cover AI-generated and synthetic intimate imagery. The law makes it illegal to distribute non-consensual synthetic sexual images of a real, identifiable person, with criminal penalties for violations. Before July 1, 2026, Wyoming residents relied on the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act.
