AUGUSTA – This month, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law two bills sponsored by Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, that will protect Maine residents from images and systems generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
LD 1944 updates the definition of unauthorized dissemination of certain non-consensual intimate images to include AI-generated content, ensuring that AI-generated images fall under Maine’s existing “revenge porn” statute and can form the basis for a protection from abuse or protection from harassment order.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a report stating the increase of AI-generated images, also known as “deepfakes,” and misuse of synthetic content creates a “clear, present and evolving threat to the public.” In 2023, it is estimated that there were more than 95,000 deepfake videos online, 98% of which were pornographic.
“Non-consensual AI-generated intimate images is increasingly common and convincing,” said Kuhn. “By updating definitions and closing legal gaps, we are ensuring that Maine's laws protect all individuals from technology-facilitated sexual abuse.”
Another bill, LD 1727, prohibits companies from using an AI chatbot with a consumer in a manner that may mislead them into believing that they are engaging with a real person. If the chatbot is AI, the consumer must be clearly notified. The measure makes the nondisclosure of increasingly convincing, humanlike bots a violation of Maine’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, subject to enforcement by the Maine Attorney General’s Office.
“As artificial intelligence continues to proliferate in commerce, we must create policies ensuring that AI tools are used in ways that provide transparency for consumers, a value that is important to Maine's many small businesses and local service providers,” said Kuhn. “This measure is a common-sense approach that strengthens Maine's consumer protection laws in light of new technological realities.”
The new laws will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the Legislature adjourns.
Representative Amy Kuhn is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents part of Falmouth. She is the House chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Kuhn) | 305-965-2744