Rep. Wyman Duggan Files Bill to Fight Against Fake Sexual Images

Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville) filed a bill on Wednesday to protect Florida individuals against victimization over fake sexual images.

Wyman Duggan's HB 1161 would force the removal of altered sexual depictions posted on an internet website or online platform without the person's consent. It also mandates the website or internet platform to establish a policy process to remove the fake images or videos by Dec. 31, 2025, after the victim acknowledges becoming a target.

The bill also specified that the internet, website, or platform would not be criminally liable for the depiction.

HB 1161 is an extension of a bill passed in 2022 by former Democratic Leader Lauren Book. The law set criminal and civil penalties for online predators who knowingly share "deepfake" sexually explicit images without a person's consent on the internet, sometimes called "revenge porn."

“When personal and private images are stolen, bought, and sold online, we can now hold bad actors accountable,” Book said. “By recognizing the crime of ‘cyber trafficking’ and acknowledging the existence of deepfake images, we have given victims of these crimes hope that they will be heard and helped. Every single state in the country must follow Florida’s lead by updating their laws to reflect new threats in the digital age.”

If passed, HB 1161 would take effect upon becoming law.

Wyman Duggan also filed another bill to increase the statute of limitations on crimes against children. Specifically, HB 1171 would start the limitation when a law enforcement agency is notified of the crime.

If passed, HB 1171 would take effect on July 1.

The Floridian has reached out to Speaker Pro Tempore Duggan for comment on HB 1161 and 1171