Two men charged with AI deepfake pornography under new US law
L'essentiel
- Two men, Cornelius Shannon and Arturo Hernandez, have been arrested and charged under the "Take It Down Act" for creating and distributing AI-generated nude videos and photos of female celebrities.
- This marks one of the first cases under the new law.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
Federal prosecutors have charged two men with using artificial intelligence to create nude videos and photos of female celebrities under a newly enacted law meant to halt the spread of deepfake pornography. The "Take It Down Act" was signed into law last year by President Donald Trump.
Federal prosecutors have charged two men with using artificial intelligence to create nude videos and photos of female celebrities under a newly enacted law meant to halt the spread of deepfake pornography.
Cornelius Shannon, 51, and Arturo Hernandez, 20, were both arrested on Tuesday for generating sexually explicit AI content that drew millions of views online, according to criminal complaints.
The men – who do not appear to be connected – are among the earliest defendants to face charges under the Take It Down Act, a law signed last year by US President Donald Trump that adds stricter penalties for publishing AI-created deepfakes and “revenge porn”. The bill drew bipartisan support, as well as the public backing of first lady Melania Trump.
Under the new law, the men now face two years in prison.
Lawyers for Shannon and Hernandez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a statement, Joseph Nocella, the US attorney in Brooklyn, said the men had “used cutting-edge digital technology to create images that degraded and violated” dozens of women.
“This case makes clear that posting deepfake pornography is not a victimless crime,” he said.
À surveiller
Perspective IA — des possibilités, pas des certitudes
Further arrests and charges under the "Take It Down Act" are likely.
Très probable · En quelques mois
The "Take It Down Act" will face legal challenges regarding its scope and enforcement.
Possible · En quelques mois
Questions ouvertes
- What is the specific nature of the AI technology used?
- How many other individuals are under investigation for similar offenses?
- What are the specific penalties beyond the two-year prison sentence?
- Will there be further legal challenges or appeals related to this new law?
