Pa. bill closing ‘gap’ for AI-generated child sexual abuse materials closer to becoming law

The state Senate unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday that would require mandated reporters to alert investigators about suspected child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence, even if they’re created by or in the possession of a child.

Multiple lawmakers referenced the alleged crimes committed by two Lancaster Country Day School students in 2023, where investigators found they used AI to generate nude images of 48 female classmates and 12 others who were acquaintances of the students. Administrators reportedly didn’t report the content because of the gap in state law. The case has not yet gone to trial. 

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“That situation underscored how quickly technology can be weaponized against children by bad actors and how unprepared the current law is to respond,” Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) said.

Pennycuick called the creation of AI-generated child sexual abuse material “one of the most disturbing trends,” adding that adults and children alike used the technology to craft explicit content. 

A committee amendment incorporated portions of a similar proposal from Sen. James Malone (D-Lancaster), adding minor dissemination of sexually explicit material of another child to the state’s definition of child-on-child abuse.

“When it comes to protecting kids, there should be no sides. The bill represents a strong, collaborative effort to protect our kids in an ever-changing technological landscape that is being reshaped by AI,” Malone said. 

Pennycuick described the measure as an extension of her previous work with her cosponsors and a coalition of child protection advocates “to safeguard children in an era where technology changes faster than our statutes can keep up.” 

One of those cosponsors, Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), echoed lawmakers’ commitment to legislating in the fast-changing world of AI, adding a message for impacted families. 

“I don’t only ask my colleagues for an affirmative vote, but I want to say, ‘Thank you,’ to those victims and those families,” said Baker. “Throughout the pain that they endured, going through these horrendous cases of seeing their daughters online in compromising positions or nude positions, it absolutely took courage to come forward.

“Not only to remedy this system, to do the right thing, but, more importantly, protect kids in the future.”

Following the unanimous vote, the bill moves to the House for further consideration.