Bipartisan Bill Targets AI Deepfakes, Seeks Section 230 Reform

Understanding the Intimate Privacy Protection Act: A New Move Against AI Deepfakes

A bipartisan coalition in the House of Representatives is taking decisive action against the rising threat of AI deepfakes with the introduction of the Intimate Privacy Protection Act. This legislation aims to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, specifically targeting tech companies that fail to remove intimate AI deepfakes from their platforms. Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) are leading this initiative, as reported by Politico.

The Core of the Legislation

At its heart, the Intimate Privacy Protection Act is about holding tech companies accountable for the content shared on their platforms. It proposes a ‘duty of care’ whereby these platforms must take responsible measures to combat cyberstalking, intimate privacy violations, and digital forgeries, including AI deepfakes.

What Does the Bill Propose?

• Amendment to Section 230: The act seeks to amend Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, which currently provides legal immunity to online platforms, shielding them from being held liable for user-generated content.
• Creation of a Duty of Care: This legal obligation would require tech companies to implement a reasonable process for addressing incidents of harassment and digital forgeries, particularly in cases involving intimate images.
• Timeframe for Action: Companies would be mandated to remove offending content within 24 hours of being reported.

The Definition of Digital Forgeries

Under this legislation, digital forgeries encompass AI-generated deepfakes that are “created, manipulated, or altered to be virtually indistinguishable from authentic recordings.” This definition places a clear emphasis on the serious implications of maliciously using AI technology to infringe upon individuals' privacy.

Legislators' Rationale

Reps. Auchincloss and Hinson stress that tech platforms must not exploit Section 230 as a shield against their responsibility towards user safety. Auchincloss stated, "Congress must prevent these corporations from evading responsibility over the sickening spread of malicious deepfakes and digital forgeries on their platforms." Hinson echoed these sentiments by emphasizing that Big Tech should be accountable for the prevalence of harmful content.

Wider Implications and Legislative Context

Efforts to combat intimate AI deepfakes are gaining traction not just in Congress, but in state legislatures as well. Recently passed laws in several states focus on protecting minors and preventing the misuse of AI in this context. Furthermore, tech companies like Microsoft have advocated for Congressional regulation around AI-generated content, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the dangers posed by these technologies.

Broader Legislative Trends

On a larger scale, lawmakers have indicated a willingness to revise Section 230 due to concerns over its implications in the age of sophisticated digital tools. Although bipartisan agreement on Section 230 reforms has been challenging historically, instances such as the recent passage of FOSTA-SESTA showcase potential pathways forward.

Conclusion: The Future of Tech Accountability

The Intimate Privacy Protection Act represents a significant step toward enhancing online safety in the face of evolving technology. As legislative measures like this gain momentum, they signal a broader acknowledgment of the necessity for responsible governance in the digital space. By explicitly defining a duty of care, lawmakers hope to create a safer internet environment for all users.