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Committee releases bill that would ban misleading AI-altered listing photos and require accuracy
Summary
A4728 would bar sellers and agents from using generative-AI or heavily edited photos that materially alter a dwelling’s appearance, require images to reflect current condition (no older than five years) and set penalties for violations; industry groups welcomed technical fixes but sought clarity on renderings and privacy.
The Assembly Housing Committee voted to release Assembly Bill A4728, which would prohibit a seller or seller’s agent from using photos created or heavily edited with generative artificial intelligence or other photo-editing software when the edits are intended to fundamentally alter the image of a dwelling being sold, rented or leased.
The bill requires listing photos to reflect the property’s current condition and be no older than five years; it allows limited edits such as removing furniture if that editing is disclosed and mandates that original photos be provided on request. Penalties would include civil fines for sellers and disciplinary action for seller agents under the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
Catherine Best of the New Jersey Realtors testified that industry rules and multiple-listing services have long prohibited misleading advertising and that recent technical amendments brought the bill closer to current practice; she said privacy and processes for removing outdated photos from third-party sites should be considered. Builder and developer witnesses asked for careful balance to allow marketing renderings that are illustrative but not deceptive.
After question-and-answer and some abstentions, the committee released A4728. Members asked staff to follow up on removal and privacy processes for listing images on third-party platforms.
