A plan from state Rep. Matthew Bierlein that protects residents, children and families in the face of new technology is now law after being signed today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

House Bills 4047-48, now Public Acts 11-12 of 2025, create criminal penalties and allow for civil action for the nonconsensual creation and dissemination of “deepfake” images or videos that are sensitive in nature or feature intimate parts of an individual.

Deepfakes are highly realistic, computer-generated images that can make it appear as though an individual is engaging in activities they never participated in, including sexual activities. Previously, there were no laws in place in Michigan to prevent or deter individuals from sharing these types of deepfake images or videos, even if an individual hasn’t consented to the creation or sharing of it.

“I am pleased the House and Senate stood together in understanding the dangers of not addressing this critical issue, and I thank the governor for her prompt attention by signing these bills into law,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “Our laws needed to be updated to confront this rapidly evolving technology. If we didn’t push forward with these plans, people and families in communities we all represent would be at risk of misuses and abuses.”

Bierlein noted that nonconsensual creation and dissemination of deepfake images can cause immense psychological, physical and reputational harm for victims. National data has also shown a significant rise in sextortion cases that involve intentionally altered images or videos. In one stretch from October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors.

“With these new laws, Michigan will position itself as a leader in working to curb these heartbreaking statistics and situations – many which occur right here in our state,” Bierlein said. “These laws make it clear that engaging in this depraved behavior will lead to consequences and liability for bad actors, while providing justice and accountability for victims.”

The bills received overwhelming, bipartisan support in both the House and Senate before being sent to the governor.