Sen. Keyeski Introduces Bill to Protect Wisconsinites from AI Deepfake Scams

Madison – Today, Senator Sarah Keyeski (D-Lodi) introduced LRB-4562, which would set criminal penalties for any person who uses artificial intelligence deepfake technology to mimic a person’s voice, image, or mannerisms and uses it to manipulate, deceive, or intimidate individuals.

Senator Keyeski released the following statement in response:

“This bill addresses an issue that causes me real concern: scams that target vulnerable individuals—like our seniors—and trick them into losing great sums of their personal savings.

“We are going through a new era where technology – particularly artificial intelligence – is rapidly advancing and always evolving. For example, people can easily be convinced they are hearing the voice of a loved one in distress on the phone, when in reality, they are hearing an artificially created voice. There must be greater consequences for the bad actors perpetrating these cruel schemes on Wisconsinites.

“This is an issue that is increasingly hurting folks across our state and country. I hope this commonsense proposal to protect Wisconsinites is something both my Democratic and Republican colleagues will support.”

LRB-4562 provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor to create and post, publish, distribute, or exhibit a synthetic digital representation with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate any individual or a Class I felony to do so with intent to defraud, coerce, or intimidate any individual for monetary gain.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.