SPRINGFIELD – A recent study found deepfake-related fraud attempts increased by over 3,000% in recent years, highlighting growing risks across sectors. With the rise of artificial intelligence introducing new challenges in the courtroom, including manipulated or fabricated evidence, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is seeking to ensure that courts are equipped to handle these challenges.

Throughout her tenure, Edly-Allen has remained a champion on tackling deepfakes and the negative consequences impacting victims, ensuring survivors have pathways to protect themselves legally.

“Unlike social media, where content is created by other users, AI systems can generate an endless stream of tailored influence, making it harder than ever for users to distinguish what is real and what is manipulated,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “We have to make sure that decisions about children and families are based on truthful, verified information. No one should lose custody or face legal consequences because of manipulated evidence.”

Senate Bill 3901 would require judges to evaluate whether evidence may have been generated or altered by artificial intelligence.

"Senate Bill 3901 brings our legal system into the modern era, where technology makes it easier than ever to manipulate evidence,” said Elisa S. Gallo, M.D., FAAD, Associate Professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.  "Manipulated or mistranslated evidence can devastate lives.  Senate Bill 3901 addresses a critical gap in our legal system.  By requiring proper authentication of evidence, and holding bad actors accountable, this bill helps protect the integrity of our courts.  I have seen firsthand how harmful unverified "evidence" can be.  This legislation works to prevent that harm from happening to others.  I thank Senator Edly-Allen and her team for their efforts in bringing forth this initiative.  In good conscience, no one should turn a blind eye.  Moral turpitude is a crime by any standard."

Senate Bill 3901 was heard in a subject matter hearing in the Senate AI and Social Media Subcommittee and awaits further consideration.