The following release was distributed by Attorney General Raoul's office after the Senate Passage of House Bill 4623:

Raoul Encourages Governor to Sign Legislation to Prohibit Use of AI to Create Child Pornography that Involves Real Children or Obscene Imagery

SPRINGFIELD – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today applauded the Illinois Senate’s unanimous passage of his legislation to clarify that Illinois’ child pornography laws apply to images and videos created by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The measure builds on the work being done by Attorney General Raoul’s office, in collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies, to crack down on child pornography throughout Illinois.

Attorney General Raoul initiated House Bill (HB) 4623, which is sponsored by Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, to address the use of AI-generated child pornography. The legislation prohibits the use of AI technology to create child pornography that either involves real children or obscene imagery. The bill also separately prohibits the nonconsensual dissemination of certain AI-generated sexual images.

“I initiated this legislation because AI-generated child pornography is an increasing concern, and it is one that we need to get addressed before the technology outpaces our ability to distinguish between AI images and images of real children,” Raoul said. “Just like child sexual abuse images containing real children, AI-generated child pornography is used by predators to lure and groom minors and to normalize their own reprehensible behavior and child sexual abuse. We must be able to address AI-generated child sexual abuse images the same way existing law covers images of actual children. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to protect our children from the trauma of exploitation, and this is a critical step in the right direction.”

Experts from the Attorney General’s office previously testified before legislative committees to explain technological advances that have enabled the creation of realistic, computer-generated images and videos of children, and to highlight the ways in which AI-generated child pornography is harmful. When AI technology uses images of real children to generate child pornography, the children who are depicted experience real reputational, emotional and privacy injuries. However, even when the technology does not use images of real children, the resulting child pornography nonetheless perpetuates abusive and predatory behavior.

“We must protect our children and implement strong regulations as new threats are constantly developing with unregulated AI programs,” said Edly-Allen. “I commend Attorney General Raoul and State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for their tireless efforts to ensure the safety and protection of current and future generations.”

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen recently announced that two local manufacturers in the 31st District were recipients of the Made in Illinois Grant Program on Wednesday.

“Illinois has made major investments in manufacturing over recent years, which boosts not only the economy but also directly impacts jobs in my district,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “I’m pleased to see two local manufacturers were awarded funding to help them advance innovation in their respective fields.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed an initiative to align nutrition and restraint protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals in state prisons.

“Every jail in Illinois has their own policies and procedures when it comes to pregnant incarcerated individuals and their rights,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill ensures that every pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individual in all county jails and prisons has the same protections.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed a measure through the Senate to protect artists if their songs or likeness are stolen through the means of artificial intelligence (AI).

“In the last few years, we have seen an explosion of AI tools and AI generated content, often created and distributed without authorization,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “While AI is a powerful tool with the potential to do much good, guardrails are necessary to protect artists and the general public. I’d like to thank the numerous groups that worked in collaboration to ensure this measure is effective including the Motion Picture Association, TechNet, the Software Alliance and more.”