As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives, it brings both innovation and new challenges. In Colorado, lawmakers are stepping up to address one of the most pressing concerns: the rise of sexually exploitative images and videos created with AI, often referred to as deepfakes.
The Growing Threat of AI-Generated Exploitative Content
Imagine waking up to find a realistic, but entirely fake, image or video of yourself circulating online. For many, this nightmare has become a reality. The technology behind deepfakes has advanced rapidly, making it easier than ever to create convincing, yet completely fabricated, content. While celebrities like Taylor Swift have made headlines as victims, everyday people—including teachers, students, and public officials—are also being targeted.
Jessica Dotter, a sexual assault resource prosecutor with Colorado’s District Attorneys Council, put it succinctly: "In a modern world where our identities and our selves exist far beyond our physical bodies and are vulnerable to attack on media, on social media, in text messages… we have to adapt to protect the people in these spaces."
What Is Colorado Doing?
Colorado’s Senate Bill 288, sponsored by Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, seeks to expand existing laws around posting intimate images to include those created by AI. This means that not only would it be illegal to share real images without consent, but also AI-generated ones designed to exploit or harass.
The bill comes at a time when 38 other states have already made it illegal to use AI to create child pornography. Supporters argue that as technology blurs the line between real and fake, the law must keep up to protect potential victims.
The Debate: Balancing Protection and Rights
Not everyone agrees on how to handle this new frontier. Civil liberties groups like the ACLU and criminal defense attorneys have raised concerns. They question the ethics of prosecuting individuals for possessing or distributing material that doesn’t involve real people. For example, how do you determine the age of a computer-generated person? Should the penalties be the same as for crimes involving actual victims?
Supporters counter that AI is often trained on real images, meaning there are real victims behind the data. As deepfakes become more convincing, distinguishing them from genuine abuse becomes nearly impossible, making strong legal protections essential.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re a Colorado resident—or simply someone concerned about digital safety—here are a few actionable tips:
- Stay informed: Follow updates on AI legislation in your state and nationwide.
- Protect your digital identity: Use privacy settings on social media and be cautious about sharing personal images online.
- Report abuse: If you encounter exploitative content, report it to the relevant platform and authorities.
- Support victims: Advocate for resources and support systems for those affected by digital exploitation.
Looking Ahead
Colorado’s efforts to regulate AI-generated exploitative content are part of a broader push to address the impacts of emerging technology. Lawmakers are also considering even more comprehensive legislation to put guardrails around how companies use AI in decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado is moving to ban AI-generated sexually exploitative images and videos.
- The legislation aims to protect individuals from new forms of digital abuse.
- There is ongoing debate about how to balance protection with digital rights.
- The bill has passed its first committee and awaits a full Senate vote.
- Staying informed and proactive is key to navigating the evolving digital landscape.
By taking these steps, Colorado is setting an example for how states can respond to the challenges—and opportunities—presented by artificial intelligence.