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HI Deepfake Civil Remedy Act

Hawaii Act 247 (HB 2137) - Deepfake Civil Remedy Act

Creates a civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue over realistic digital imitations (deepfakes) depicting them without consent, with statutory damages available.

Jurisdiction

Hawaii

Enacted

Jul 14, 2026

Effective

Jul 14, 2026

Enforcement

Private civil action (no state regulator enforcement role)

Signed by Governor Green on July 14, 2026, alongside SB 3001 (Act 248). Takes effect upon approval per the enrolled bill's effective-date section.

Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii

Why It Matters

Gives individuals a direct private remedy against unauthorized realistic AI-generated depictions of themselves, with damages specified per piece of content rather than requiring proof of actual harm.

Recent Developments

Signed as Act 247 on July 14, 2026, the same day as SB 3001 (Act 248, AI companion chatbot disclosure law). Distinct from the existing Hawaii Deepfakes Act of 2024 (us-hi-sb2687) - different remedy structure and scope, not a duplicate.

At a Glance

Applies to

Digital ReplicaImage GeneratorVideo Generator

Harms addressed

Who Must Comply

  • Creators and distributors of realistic AI-generated digital imitations of individuals

Safety Provisions

  • Civil cause of action for individuals depicted in unauthorized realistic digital imitations
  • Injunctive relief available
  • Punitive damages available
  • Statutory damages up to $25,000 per piece of content

Compliance & Enforcement

Penalties

$25K/violation

Private Right of Action

Individuals can sue directly without waiting for regulatory action.

View on map

Hawaii

Focus Areas

General regulation

Cite This

APA

Hawaii. (2026). Hawaii Act 247 (HB 2137) - Deepfake Civil Remedy Act.

Related Regulations

In Effect US-HI

HI Deepfakes Act

Prohibits distribution of materially deceptive media (deepfakes) in elections from February 1 through general election without disclaimer. Criminalizes violations with escalating penalties from petty misdemeanor to Class C felony if intent to cause violence. Private right of action for candidates, depicted individuals, and voter advocacy organizations.

In Effect US-HI

HI SB 3001

Requires operators of AI companions to disclose that a user is interacting with artificial intelligence rather than a person, to maintain protocols for responding to user prompts indicating suicidal ideation or self-harm, and to provide protections for users and minor users. Violations constitute unfair or deceptive acts or practices under HRS section 480-2.

Proposed US

NO FAKES Act

Creates federal intellectual property protection for individuals' voice and visual likeness against unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. Holds companies liable for producing, hosting, or sharing non-consensual digital replicas.

In Effect US-TX

TX AI Catfishing Law

Establishes civil liability for online impersonation using AI. Person liable if they knowingly and with intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten use AI to impersonate another's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness. Civil remedies include injunctive relief, actual damages, exemplary damages ($500+ minimum), costs, and attorney's fees. Satire and parody exempted.

In Effect US-AR

AR HB 1071

Amends Arkansas publicity rights law to explicitly include AI-generated reproductions of voice and likeness. Covers simulated voices and 3D generation.

In Effect US-NY

NY S 7676-B

Protects performers from exploitative digital replica contracts. Contracts for AI-generated digital replicas are void unless they describe use, performer has legal counsel or union representation, and contract doesn't replace work performer would have done.

Last updated August 2, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.