What is a deepfake? Louisiana outlaws some of its most sinister uses

By Claire Sullivan
Contributing Writer

(lailluminator.com) — Barack Obama swearing at Donald Trump in an address. Nicholas Cage starring in “Sesame Street.” Mark Zuckerburg bragging publicly about “manipulating” users.

You may have seen these videos, but they never really happened. They were deepfakes, highly realistic video and audio content made through artificial intelligence. Though some applications of the technology may be lighthearted, other uses can be nefarious. They include revenge, abuse and fake news.

A Louisiana law Gov. John Bel Edwards recently signed aims to reign in some of the most sinister uses of deepfakes – producing sexual content of children or unconsenting adults.

The new law makes it a crime to create or possess a deepfake that knowingly depicts someone under 18 engaging in sexual conduct. Violations carry between five and 20 years in prison with hard labor, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

It also makes it illegal to advertise, distribute, exhibit, exchange, promote or sell deepfakes of a minor or unconsenting adult engaging in sexual conduct. This carries between 10 and 30 years in prison, fine of not more than fifty thousand dollars, or both.

This article originally published in the July 10, 2023 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.