Harrisburg, Pa. — Pa. Senators Pennycuick, Martin, and Baker have introduced S.B. 1050, a bill intended to protect Pennsylvania's young people against the threats posed by child abuse materials, particularly child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), generated using AI.
The senators noted an alarming increase in AI-generated CSAM being created and shared in recent years.
The proposed legislation would require mandated reporters such as teachers, childcare workers, and healthcare providers to report all instances of CSAM that they become aware of, including material generated by a minor.
“The damage inflicted by the creation and dissemination of these materials can be devastating. For minors, already in the formative stages of their lives, the trauma, anxiety, and fear caused by these acts can be life-altering,” Sen. Pennycuick said. “While our progress on this issue has been significant, we need to do more to protect our children from the dangers of CSAM, especially when these images surface in school settings.”
“Protecting children from emerging threats in the digital world is a critical need. The tools that criminals use to target young people are constantly changing and evolving, and the law needs to change to keep pace,” Sen. Martin added. “I appreciate all the stakeholders and families who have worked with us over the past several months to bring forward this comprehensive legislation addressing mandated reporting so we can ensure fewer children are subjected to these incredibly damaging materials.”
“Ensuring the safety and security of our children is of the upmost importance. While we have made great strides in addressing the use of AI in CSAM, we must continue these efforts by updating our child protection laws to require that these cases be reported to the appropriate authorities,” said Sen. Baker. “This bill is an essential first step toward targeting those who find novel ways of luring children, whether the producers are adults or fellow students.”
Earlier in the year, the senate passed Acts 125 and 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. Senate Bill 1050 would build on these accomplishments by addressing material that targets children.
The bill is currently being reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Originally published on northcentralpa.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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