RI Intimate Deepfakes Act
Rhode Island Synthetic Intimate Imagery Act (H5046 / S0136)
Establishes criminal penalties for distributing synthetic intimate imagery (AI-generated deepfake pornography) without consent. Creates civil remedies for victims. Protects internet service providers from liability for third-party content.
Jurisdiction
Rhode Island
Enacted
Jan 1, 2025
Effective
Jan 1, 2025
Enforcement
Rhode Island law enforcement; Courts
Enacted 2025
Rhode Island General AssemblyWhy It Matters
Addresses non-consensual intimate deepfakes - a growing harm category. Criminal and civil enforcement mechanisms. ISP safe harbor maintains platform protections.
Recent Developments
Part of Rhode Island's comprehensive approach to deepfake regulation including political synthetic media rules (H5872/S0816).
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- Any person creating or distributing synthetic intimate imagery in Rhode Island
- AI tools used to generate intimate deepfakes
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Criminal penalties for distributing synthetic intimate imagery without consent
- Civil remedies for victims of non-consensual deepfake intimate images
- Protection for minors from synthetic CSAM
- ISP safe harbor for third-party content
Exemptions
Public Settings
Images taken in public settings
- • Image taken in public setting
Legitimate Purposes
Images shared for law enforcement or education
- • Shared for law enforcement purposes
- • OR shared for educational purposes
ISP Safe Harbor
Internet service providers not liable for third-party content
- • Internet service provider or telecommunications service
- • Content posted by third party
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
Jan 1, 2025
All provisions take effect
Penalties
criminal liability
Private Right of Action
Individuals can sue directly without waiting for regulatory action.
View on map
Rhode Island
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
Rhode Island. (2025). Rhode Island Synthetic Intimate Imagery Act (H5046 / S0136).
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NH Deepfakes Act
Criminalizes fraudulent use of deepfakes as a Class B felony (1-7 years imprisonment). First state law with explicit private right of action for deepfake victims. Enhanced penalties when deepfakes result in wrongful arrest. Prohibits lobbyists who violate the law from registering.
HI Deepfakes Act
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TX AI Catfishing Law
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AR HB 1071
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CA SB 942
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Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.