Colorado Takes Bold Stand Against AI Abuse: New Law Protects Families from Deepfake Exploitation

Colorado families gained crucial new protections against artificial intelligence exploitation as Senate Bill 25-288 became law this month, making the Centennial State the 38th to criminalize sexually explicit deepfakes. The legislation comes as local law enforcement reports an alarming surge in AI-generated explicit content targeting Colorado residents, including children.

Colorado Springs Police Department and child advocacy leaders gathered Thursday to highlight how this groundbreaking legislation will help protect local families from an increasingly sophisticated digital threat.

Protecting Colorado's Most Vulnerable

The new law establishes serious penalties for perpetrators who create or share AI-generated intimate content without consent:

• Class One Misdemeanor for basic violations
• Class Six Felony for cases involving election interference or serious safety threats
• Enhanced protections for minors and families

"As a community, we have a shared responsibility to keep kids safe. No longer does someone need real nude or explicit photos of your children to exploit or threaten them," warned Maureen Basenberg, executive director of Safe Passage.

Local Law Enforcement Sounds Alarm

CSPD Investigations Division Commander Daniel Thompson revealed how criminals are exploiting innocent family photos shared on social media. "The once innocent photographs that are shared over social media now become this farming ground for perpetrators," Thompson explained, noting that overseas AI platforms with minimal regulation pose a particular threat to Colorado families.

More Work Ahead for Colorado

State Senator Marc Snyder, representing El Paso and Teller Counties, emphasized that this legislation is just the beginning of Colorado's fight against AI exploitation.

"This is a tough space. AI is evolving so quickly... We're doing the best we can, but I don't think this is going to be... this is more of a beginning than an end,"

"This is a tough space. AI is evolving so quickly... We're doing the best we can, but I don't think this is going to be... this is more of a beginning than an end,"

Protecting Your Family

Child safety advocates recommend Colorado families take precautions with online photo sharing:

• Review privacy settings on social media accounts
• Be selective about sharing children's photos online
• Report suspicious AI-generated content to local law enforcement
• Discuss digital safety with family members

The law, signed by Governor Jared Polis on June 2, positions Colorado at the forefront of protecting families from technological exploitation while providing law enforcement with new tools to combat digital abuse in our communities.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.