Utah lawmakers took significant steps to enhance child protection during the 2024 General Legislative Session, focusing on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to child exploitation. A key piece of legislation, House Bill 148, was passed unanimously with 70 votes in favor, addressing the urgent need to regulate artificial intelligence-generated content. This bill explicitly categorizes artificially produced videos and images as child exploitation materials, thereby strengthening legal protections against such abuses.

Representative Dufay, who sponsored the bill, highlighted the personal motivation behind the legislation, sharing a concerning incident involving a deep fake created of a local celebrity. This experience underscored the potential risks posed by AI technology, particularly to children. Dufay emphasized the importance of vigilance in safeguarding communities as AI continues to evolve, stating, "While I am very excited about the innovations... we also have to be vigilant in protecting our children."

In addition to HB 148, lawmakers also discussed House Bill 238, which aims to criminalize the use of AI to depict minors or individuals resembling minors in sexually explicit conduct. This bill, part of a broader suite of AI-related legislation, received a favorable vote in committee and is poised for further consideration.

The swift passage of these bills reflects a proactive approach by Utah legislators to address the rapid advancements in technology and their potential misuse. As these measures move to the Senate, they signal a commitment to ensuring that child safety remains a priority in the face of emerging digital challenges.