Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Signs Bill Targeting Misuse of AI-Generated Intimate Images

MADISON, Wisconsin — Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 33 into law on Friday, officially updating Wisconsin’s criminal code to address the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in creating and distributing explicit or fake images.

New Law Expands State Criminal Code

Now enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 23, the new law expands the state’s definition of crimes involving private and intimate images. The bill specifically prohibits creating, posting, or sharing AI-generated images that depict nudity or sexual content without the person’s consent — even if those images were digitally fabricated.

Governor Evers said the legislation brings Wisconsin’s criminal laws “up to speed with emerging AI technologies” and helps close loopholes that allowed the spread of nonconsensual deepfake content.

AI Deepfakes and Harassment

The measure makes it a criminal offense to create or distribute any “synthetic intimate representation” if it is intended to harass, intimidate, or defame a person. It also bans reproducing private or intimate images of someone without their permission, regardless of how the image was obtained or generated.

Lawmakers who supported the bill cited increasing reports nationwide of people — particularly women and public figures — being targeted by AI tools that create fake nude or explicit images used in harassment or extortion schemes.

Defining “Synthetic Intimate Representation”

Act 23 adds a formal definition of the term, stating:

“A representation generated using technological means that uses an identifiable person’s face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic to depict an intimate representation of that person, regardless of whether the representation includes components that are artificial, legally generated, or generally accessible, and that is so realistic that a reasonable person would believe it depicts conduct of the identifiable person.”

This language clarifies that even partially AI-created or edited content that realistically portrays a person in an intimate setting is covered by the law.

Broad Support for Safeguards

Lawmakers from both parties backed the measure, emphasizing that the state must protect residents from AI-enabled privacy violations. Supporters say the law not only defends individuals’ reputations but also protects victims from being digitally exploited or defamed through manipulated content.

With the signing of Act 23, Wisconsin joins a growing number of states updating legal frameworks to combat AI misuse and deepfake exploitation.

The legislation represents one of the state’s most significant steps in regulating emerging technology and protecting digital privacy. For more Wisconsin law and technology updates, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.