Georgia lawmakers want to hold deepfake AI developers accountable

Georgia lawmakers are exploring strategies to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on ensuring transparency and accountability. A recent report from the Georgia Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence sheds light on their initial thoughts about regulating AI while fostering innovation.

AI’s growing role in society raises complex challenges, from distinguishing bots from humans to combating the dangers of deepfakes. The committee’s recommendations highlight a proactive approach to addressing these issues, aiming to balance ethical considerations with technological progress.

Over the past seven months, the committee consulted a range of experts—including academics, business leaders, and policymakers—to examine AI’s effects on industries such as:

• Agriculture: Enhancing crop yields and resource management.
• Entertainment: Revolutionizing content creation while posing risks of misinformation.
• Government and Transparency: Optimizing services while ensuring accountability.

Their findings illustrate the diverse impacts of AI, both promising and problematic, across the state’s economic and social fabric.

While the committee stops short of drafting specific legislation, its recommendations lay a foundation for future AI regulations. The overarching goal is clear: support AI development without stifling innovation. Key priorities include:

• Defining AI legally: A critical step to ensuring coherent and enforceable regulations.
• Establishing data privacy laws: To protect citizens in an increasingly AI-driven world.
• Strengthening deepfake laws: Expanding existing statutes to address election interference and misinformation.

Many of the committee’s ideas focus on encouraging responsible AI adoption by state and local governments. Yet, a few standout proposals suggest a more direct regulatory approach:

• Liability Standards for AI: Treating AI products like physical goods, holding developers accountable for misuse or harm.
• Deepfake Accountability: Penalizing those who use AI-generated media to spread disinformation or manipulate public opinion.
• Supporting Agriculture: Expanding access to AI tools for small farms to improve efficiency and output.
• Incentivizing Innovation in Entertainment: Encouraging Georgia-based projects that integrate cutting-edge AI technologies.

Committee Chair Sen. John Albers (R-Johns Creek) captured the balancing act ahead, acknowledging the fears surrounding AI while emphasizing its inevitability:

“I know there are some people that are afraid of [AI] and they want to not do anything. That’s not the reality. We are going to have to embrace artificial intelligence. Doing it the right way will be our task.”

This sentiment underscores the challenge of crafting policies that harness AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks.

What’s Next?

As the Georgia General Assembly convenes in January, the committee plans to advocate for a standing study group dedicated to keeping pace with AI’s rapid advancements. This ongoing effort aims to ensure Georgia remains at the forefront of responsible AI integration.

By proactively addressing these issues, Georgia lawmakers are setting a precedent for how states can approach the complex but critical task of regulating AI in an era of transformative technological change.