ASSEMBLY SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2364

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 4, 2024

      The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2364.

      As amended reported, this bill establishes the Deepfake Technology Unit in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety. 

      Deceptive audio or visual media, known as “deepfakes,” are realistic video, images, audio, and writings manipulated using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to convincingly depict events, statements, or writings that did not occur.  Due to advances in technology, deepfakes have become difficult to distinguish from authentic video, images, audio, and writings. 

      Under the bill, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Chief Technology Officer of the New Jersey Office of Information Technology in the Department of the Treasury, is to establish the Deepfake Technology Unit to provide technical assistance, expertise, education, and training to State and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and State courts regarding the investigation and analysis of potentially deceptive audio or visual media. 

      In addition, beginning one year following the unit’s formation, the unit is required to provide an annual report to the Governor and Legislature that includes information regarding the unit’s activity during the preceding year; a summary of technological advancements in deceptive audio or visual media and applicable detection methods; a summary of changes to the law related to deceptive audio or visual media; information regarding the unit’s collaboration with the private sector and academic institutions; and recommendations for legislation and regulations to address the challenges posed by deceptive audio or visual media. 

      The bill permits the Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts to designate a representative to work with the unit as a liaison and training coordinator.

      Finally, the bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety to effectuate the provisions of this bill. 

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      This committee amends this bill to:

      (1) change the definition of “deceptive audio or visual media”; and

      (2) make technical corrections.