Illinois plan could help schools tackle AI-generated porn, deepfake cyberbullying

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers could pass a plan in the final week of session to address the rise of deepfake images and AI-generated nude photos of students.

Democrats and Republicans believe the Illinois school code should be amended to include sexually explicit digital depictions of students under the definition of cyberbullying.

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) told the House Education School Curriculum & Policy Committee Thursday that teachers and administrators across the state are concerned about the amount of AI photos being created to humiliate young people in school.

"It puts this into policy. It gives it procedures for reporting," Yang Rohr said. "It gives a mechanism and requirement for informing the parents and guardians of the parties and students affected and it gives means and guidance for how to investigate and address these issues."

House Bill 299 passed unanimously out of the House Education School Curriculum and Policy Committee. The proposal now heads to the House floor for further consideration.