During a press conference on Tues. morning, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson praised the filing of multiple anti-child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and has urged a quick passing.
According to a press release, the two bills are aimed at protecting children from morphed pornography of identifiable children (MPIC) and A.I. (artificial intelligence) generated CSAM.
MPIC is when an identifiable child’s photo is shifted into a pornographic image through the use of deepfakes, A.I. Photoshop, or apps that the child appears engaged in sexual activity.
"AI now is like the Internet was 30 years ago – it's a society disrupter. Technology can be a useful tool, but it can also be incredibly devastating when used the wrong way," said Attorney General Alan Wilson.
AI-generated CSAM can be created from free, simple apps or more sophisticated editing software. Wilson stressed that AI-generated CSAM is easier to produce and distribute than ever before, and the problem will only continue to rise.
“We have to update our laws to remain effective in prosecuting those who place children in jeopardy," said Senate minority leader Sen. Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg). Hutto is the Chairman of the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children and the primary sponsor of the two Senate bills.
Senate Bill 995: MPIC was introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee on Jan. 25. The bill was sponsored by Sens. Hutto, Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), Mike Reichenbach (R-Florence) and Tameika Isaac Devine (D-Richland).
House Bill 4973: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Morphed Images of Children was introduced to the South Carolina House of Representatives and referred to the Judiciary Committee on Jan. 30. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Raye Felder (R-York), Beth Bernstein (D-Richland), and Paula Calhoon (R-Lexington).
In Sept. 2023, General Wilson, along with other AGs in all 50 states and the four territories signed the letter that addressed the rising issues of MPIC and CSAM. The letter urged Congress to set up a commission to study AI CSAM, and have other states review and update as needed respective state laws.
Four territories and all 50 states signed the letter which stated, “We are engaged in a race against time to protect the children of our country from the dangers of AI. Indeed, the proverbial walls of the city have already been breached. Now is the time to act.”
"Our laws need to keep up with technology, and as a dad of two teenagers, protecting our children from harm is my top priority. I'm very thankful legislators recognize the importance and urgency of passing laws to protect kids from AI-generated exploitation,” added Wilson.
