California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 47 other attorneys general, has sent letters to search and payment platform operators regarding their indirect roles in the creation and distribution of nonconsensual deepfake pornography. Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to generate videos, images, or audio that appear real.
The letters aim to establish communication with these companies, learn about their current measures to prevent the spread of such content, and encourage them to take further steps against its distribution.
“Tools that allow people to generate intimate images and videos of real people without their consent can cause significant harm to the public — particularly to women and girls. These images have been used to bully, harass, and exploit people all over the world,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today, I joined a coalition of attorneys general in sending letters to companies that are indirectly part of the ecosystem that enables the distribution of this material, asking them to be part of the solution in preventing the dissemination of deepfakes. As technology rapidly evolves, I am committed to engaging in conversations with industries to ensure we’re all working together to guide AI to the positive potential that will benefit us — not hurt us.”
Nonconsensual deepfake pornography is an increasing problem globally. It is used for harassment and exploitation. The technology’s growing power increases risks for individuals whose likenesses may be used without consent. Companies involved in search or payment services may have roles in facilitating access or payments related to this material. The attorneys general have asked these businesses for details on how they restrict or block such content and called for stronger commitments from industry leaders.
Attorney General Bonta continues efforts addressing emerging technology threats affecting Californians. This week he also sent a letter to 12 leading AI firms after reports surfaced about sexually inappropriate interactions between AI chatbots and children. He emphasized accountability for any harm caused by such technologies.
Earlier this year, Bonta issued two legal advisories reminding consumers about their rights regarding AI under California law and informing businesses and healthcare entities about compliance requirements as new technologies emerge. In recent months, he also contacted Congressional leaders opposing a proposed 10-year federal ban on state-level regulation of AI systems; lawmakers ultimately rejected this provision.
In 2024, Bonta submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission concerning AI’s potential impact on illegal robocalls and robotexts protections. In 2023, he joined a bipartisan group urging Congress to create an expert commission focused on how AI is used in child sexual abuse material cases.
The coalition sending today’s letters includes attorneys general from Vermont, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska,, Nevada,, New Hampshire,, New Mexico,, New York,, North Carolina,, North Dakota,, Ohio,, Oklahoma,, Oregon,, Puerto Rico,, Rhode Island,, South Carolina,, South Dakota,, Tennessee,, U.S. Virgin Islands,, Virginia,, Washington,, West Virginia,, Wisconsin,and Wyoming.
Copies of the letters are available online.
