Bill clarifying Illinois’ child pornography laws apply to AI images advances in statehouse
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A bill advancing in the Illinois statehouse would hold AI-generated images and videos to the standard of the state’s child pornography laws.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is championing the measure in efforts to crack down child pornography across the state. The bill passed the Illinois House of Representatives’ Criminal Judiciary Committee unanimously Wednesday, and now heads to the full House of Representatives.
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“Now more than ever, we must address the challenges of AI-generated images and videos in child pornography,” Raoul said. “Any and all child exploitation can be a devastating crime that leaves survivors and their families dealing with a lifetime of trauma. We must hold predators accountable so survivors can receive justice to support their healing.”
Experts with the Attorney General’s office testified recent technological advances have enabled more realistic computer-generated images and videos, and the fact the technology can use photos of real children to create the pornography. The experts said the children are based off of AI-generated child pornography usually face emotional and reputational harm.
“Generative AI – the kind that can create realistic images and even videos – is already cheap or free,” Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), the bill’s sponsor, said. “Disgustingly, this technology is being used to create explicit images depicting children. HB4623 is a vital piece of legislation that will help bring our existing sex offender laws up to speed with this rapidly evolving technology. I thank the Attorney General and his staff for their hard work on this legislation.”
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Raoul’s office runs the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. Reports to the ICAC increased by 46% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Child sexual exploitation can be reported at CyberTipline.com, and child abuse can be reported online on the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ website. A list of child advocacy centers can be found at ChildrensAdvocacyCentersofIllinois.org.
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