HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Legislation from a Montgomery County State Senator that would ban apps that use AI to create fake nude images or videos of real people is headed to the Pennsylvania House after unanimously passing out of the State Senate.
Republican State Senator Tracy Pennycuick, who is behind the bill, said there are very real stories of girls who had fake nude images of them created by AI on so-called “nudify” apps and sent around their schools.
“This is not some hypothetical scenario. It happened in Bucks County. It happened in Lancaster County. It's happening every single day in the Commonwealth and it's made possible by apps designed for one purpose,” she said.
Pennycuick’s bill would ban the development or operation of ‘nudification’ apps in Pennsylvania, and would outlaw online marketplaces, including app stores, from offering them.
“What's happening to our minors is horrifying,” she said. “These same apps are being used to target adults, including co-workers, former intimate partners, and people in public life. The overwhelming majority of victims are women and girls.”
Pennycuick said while the images may be fake, the trauma is real.
“I applaud all the victims and their families who have found the courage to stand up, share their stories, and demand action,” she said. “This bill only exists because of their advocacy.”
The bill moves to the State House, but time is running out with only six voting days left this session.
