SC AI CSAM & Intimate Images Law
South Carolina AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material and Morphed Images Acts (S.28 & S.29)
S.28 creates offense of obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse, including AI-generated CSAM. S.29 addresses morphed images of identifiable minors. Both bills criminalize creation, possession, and distribution of AI-generated sexual images without consent. Offenders added to sex offender registry.
Jurisdiction
South Carolina
Enacted
May 12, 2025
Effective
May 12, 2025
Enforcement
South Carolina Attorney General; South Carolina law enforcement
Signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 12, 2025. Effective immediately. Makes SC the 50th state to criminalize nonconsensual distribution of intimate images.
South Carolina LegislatureWhy It Matters
Most comprehensive state law on AI-generated sexual exploitation. Covers both minors (CSAM, morphed images) and adults (non-consensual intimate images). Sex offender registry requirement makes penalties severe. Relevant to AI image generation platforms.
Recent Developments
Signed May 12, 2025. South Carolina became 50th state to criminalize nonconsensual distribution of intimate images. AG Wilson praised passage for cracking down on AI-generated CSAM.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- Anyone producing, distributing, or possessing AI-generated CSAM
- Anyone creating morphed images of identifiable minors
- Anyone distributing non-consensual intimate images (including AI-generated)
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- S.28: Criminalizes AI-generated obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse
- S.29: Criminalizes morphed images of identifiable minors in sexual activity
- Applies to production, distribution, solicitation, possession with intent to distribute
- Covers non-consensual intimate images of adults (revenge porn + AI deepfakes)
- Offenders added to sex offender registry
- Civil remedies available for victims
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
$5K; criminal (up to 10yr)
Private Right of Action
Individuals can sue directly without waiting for regulatory action.
View on map
South Carolina
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
South Carolina. (2025). South Carolina AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material and Morphed Images Acts (S.28 & S.29).
Related Regulations
KS AI Sexual Materials Law
Broadens breach of privacy to include sharing AI-created or AI-altered materials that portray individuals in sexual manner without consent. Criminalizes possession, creation, and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
IA AI Deepfake Pornography Laws
HF 2240 and SF 2243 criminalize creation of AI-generated intimate images without consent. HF 2240: Aggravated misdemeanor for adult non-consensual sexual images. SF 2243: Class D felony for AI-generated CSAM depicting minors (up to 5 years imprisonment).
TX Deepfake Intimate Images Law
Expands civil liability for AI-generated nonconsensual intimate images (deepfake pornography). Criminalizes threatening to create intimate deepfakes to coerce, extort, harass, or intimidate. Imposes penalties on individuals, websites, and payment processors involved in distributing such content. 10-year statute of limitations.
AR HB 1071
Amends Arkansas publicity rights law to explicitly include AI-generated reproductions of voice and likeness. Covers simulated voices and 3D generation.
CA SB 867
Proposes a 4-year moratorium on the sale and manufacturing of toys with AI chatbot capabilities for children under 12. During the moratorium, a task force would develop safety standards with input from technologists, parents, and ethicists.
VT AADC
Vermont design code structured to be more litigation-resistant: focuses on data processing harms rather than content-based restrictions. AG rulemaking authority begins July 2025.
Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.