NEW CITY, NY— The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously passed a new local law aimed at combating the growing threat of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes — digital fabrications that can mimic real people’s faces, voices, and gestures with alarming realism.
The Damaging Deepfake Act makes it a crime to knowingly create or distribute deceptive digital media depicting an identifiable person without their consent. The law targets the use of manipulated images, videos, and audio for harassment, fraud, impersonation, or exploitation. Offenders could face fines or jail time, with tougher penalties for repeat or criminally motivated cases.
“The rapid spread of manipulated videos and audio doesn’t just distort reality — it endangers reputations, safety, and trust,” said Rockland County Legislator Dana Stilley, who sponsored the bill. “When someone’s face or voice can be stolen with a few clicks, we must take action. With this legislation, we are taking a firm stand against the misuse of artificial intelligence and safeguarding the rights and reputations of our residents at a time when truth and authenticity are increasingly under attack.”
The rise of deepfakes has accelerated dramatically in recent years — from an estimated 500,000 creations in 2023 to a projected 8 million in 2025. Experts estimate that nearly 98r percent of deepfake videos are pornographic, disproportionately targeting women. AI-driven scams and impersonation fraud are also on the rise, costing Americans more than $12 billion in 2023, with losses expected to triple by 2027.
At a public hearing on the measure, Stefany Ovalles, Director of Immigration and Human Trafficking Services at the Center for Safety & Change, said the technology has intensified already troubling trends in domestic violence and sexual exploitation.
“Even before these advances, we saw an increase in revenge pornography cases in both family and criminal court,” Ovalles said. “Now, perpetrators can coerce and control victims without even having access to explicit material. Passing the Damaging Deepfake Act allows us to be proactive in protecting women and children, who are statistically the most likely to be victims of domestic violence and sextortion.”
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh said his office has seen firsthand how digital manipulation can devastate victims.
“One of the greatest challenges we face is that artificial intelligence advances far faster than laws can react,” Walsh said. “That gap allows predators to exploit new tools in ways our legal framework can’t always address. The Damaging Deepfake Act helps us close that gap and safeguard the people we serve.”
Rockland Community College President Dr. William P. Mullaney said the problem has become particularly acute for students.
“Around the country, high school and college students have found their faces inserted into false and explicit images created by artificial intelligence,” Mullaney said. “These are not harmless pranks — they are acts of digital violation that can harm victims for years. This law makes clear that consent matters, even in the digital world.”
While some state and federal laws address aspects of digital impersonation, many experts — including the U.S. Copyright Office — have said existing protections fail to fully address the harms of deepfakes.
By adopting the Damaging Deepfake Act, Rockland County joins a growing number of local governments taking steps to confront the human cost of AI misuse.
“Deepfakes are digital lies that can destroy lives in seconds,” said Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. “When people can’t be sure what’s real, misinformation spreads faster and the harm can be lasting. This law gives us tools to help protect residents and businesses, and I am proud to have voted for it.”