ASSEMBLY SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 141

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 6, 2024

      The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee reports favorably Assembly Resolution No. 141.

      As reported, this resolution urges generative artificial intelligence and content sharing platforms to make voluntary commitments to prevent and remove harmful content from their websites.  “Deepfake” and “cheapfake” media involve artificially produced content which often manipulate public understandings of evidence and truth.  These audiovisual manipulations have become easier to produce, with open-source animation technology allowing even inexperienced creators to forge media. With available software, authors may create convincingly realistic depictions of individuals saying or doing things they never actually did. Generative artificial-intelligence platforms may anticipate and prevent the creation of harmful content.  The proliferation of social media and other digital communication platforms increase viewership of tailored deepfakes and cheapfakes, furthering the spread of defamatory information.  Social media and other content sharing forums may take steps to remove harmful media.  Responsible use of artificial intelligence systems requires continued monitoring of potential harms.

      The federal government and twelve other states have drafted accountability and transparency standards for artificial intelligence companies and in some circumstances have arranged such voluntary commitments for secure artificial intelligence use. In following suit with these national trends, New Jersey could establish itself as a pioneer of responsible media technology.