SB 1346 / HB 1299, Public Chapter 466 of 2025: Preventing Deepfake Images Act (non-consensual intimate digital depictions)

Summary

Tennessee created a civil action and a crime for disclosing an intimate digital depiction of an identifiable person without consent. Deepfakes are defined as video, images or audio generated or manipulated by artificial intelligence to realistically portray something that did not occur. A depicted person may sue anyone who intentionally discloses such a depiction knowing, or recklessly disregarding, the lack of consent; consent to creation is not consent to disclosure, and valid consent must be written. Disclosing, threatening to disclose or soliciting disclosure with intent to harass or cause financial or reputational harm, or with knowledge it will cause harm, is a Class E felony, rising to a Class C felony where the depiction could be expected to affect a government proceeding, including an election, or to facilitate violence. A disclaimer is not a defense. Online service providers are protected for good-faith removal and for content provided by others.

Key dates

1. May 9, 2025Enacted
2. July 1, 2025Takes effect
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. SB1346 has been assigned Public Chapter Number 466 by the Secretary of State.

   Supports: Public chapter number

   Effective date(s) 07/01/2025 05/15/2025 Pub. Ch. 466 05/15/2025 Signed by Governor. 05/09/2025

   Supports: Signing date, chapter date and effective date

   SB 1346 bill information, 114th General Assembly Tennessee General Assembly Primary source

2. This part is known and may be cited as the "Preventing Deepfake Images Act."

   Supports: Short title

   "Deepfakes" means videos, images, or audio files that have been generated or manipulated by artificial intelligence in order to realistically portray something that did not actually occur

   Supports: Definition of deepfakes

   (1) Is a Class E felony; or (2) Is a Class C felony, in the case of a violation in which the creation, reproduction, or distribution of the intimate digital depiction could be reasonably expected to

   Supports: Criminal grading

   This act takes effect July 1, 2025, the public welfare requiring it.

   Supports: Effective date

   Amendment No. 1 to SB1346 (SA0349) Tennessee General Assembly Primary source