WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 1 REQUIREMENT TYPE
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence." Technology or tools that use predictive algorithms to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos and the likeness of another individual.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681." Technology or tools that use predictive algorithms to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos and the likeness of another individual. "Artificial Intelligence Generated MaterialArtificial Intelligence Generated Material"Artificial Intelligence Generated Material." An image, text or video that used artificial intelligence in whole or in part to create the image, text, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681." An image, text or video that used artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence." Technology or tools that use predictive algorithms to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos and the likeness of another individual.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 in whole or in part to create the image, text, simulation or video. "WatermarkWatermark"Watermark." A mark placed on an artificial intelligence generated image, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681." A mark placed on an artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence." Technology or tools that use predictive algorithms to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos and the likeness of another individual.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 generated image, simulation or video.
This section defines three key terms for the subchapter: artificial intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Generated Material, and watermark. The AI definition is notably broad, encompassing any technology or tool that uses predictive algorithms to create new content of any type — audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos, and likenesses. This breadth could capture many software tools beyond what is colloquially understood as generative AI.
1 An individual who creates or distributes an image, text, simulation or video using artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence." Technology or tools that use predictive algorithms to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos and the likeness of another individual.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 shall place a watermarkWatermark"Watermark." A mark placed on an artificial intelligence generated image, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 on 30% of the image, text or video, to which the following shall apply: (1) The watermarkWatermark"Watermark." A mark placed on an artificial intelligence generated image, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 shall have a minimum of 50% opacity. (2) The watermarkWatermark"Watermark." A mark placed on an artificial intelligence generated image, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 shall contain the following statement: "Artificial Intelligence Generated MaterialArtificial Intelligence Generated Material"Artificial Intelligence Generated Material." An image, text or video that used artificial intelligence in whole or in part to create the image, text, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681."
This section imposes the bill's core operative obligation: any individual who creates or distributes an AI-generated image, text, simulation, or video must place a watermark covering 30% of the content at a minimum of 50% opacity, bearing the prescribed statement "Artificial Intelligence Generated Material." The obligation runs to any individual — not a defined covered-entity class — making or distributing AI-generated content in Pennsylvania. The 30%-coverage and 50%-opacity specifications are unusually prescriptive and would result in a highly visible overlay that substantially obscures the underlying content.
Film or television show productions created or distributed in this Commonwealth shall be exempt from section 7682 (relating to watermarkWatermark"Watermark." A mark placed on an artificial intelligence generated image, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 required) if one of the following is met: (1) Use of artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence." Technology or tools that use predictive algorithms to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos and the likeness of another individual.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 for visual effects does not involve the use of an individual. (2) If the use of artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence." Technology or tools that use predictive algorithms to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, videos and the likeness of another individual.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 for visual effects involves the use of an individual, the individual has provided written consent to create a likeness of the individual.
This section carves out film and television show productions from the watermark requirement under two conditions: (1) AI visual effects do not involve the use of an individual, or (2) when an individual's likeness is used, written consent has been obtained. The exemption applies to productions created or distributed in Pennsylvania. This is a narrow entertainment-industry safe harbor that does not extend to other commercial or noncommercial content.
An individual who violates section 7682 (relating to watermarkWatermark"Watermark." A mark placed on an artificial intelligence generated image, simulation or video.18 Pa.C.S. § 7681 required) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and shall be subject to a $1,000 fine for a first offense. An individual who commits a second or subsequent violation of section 7682 within a five-year period commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and shall be subject to a $10,000 fine.
This section establishes criminal penalties for violations of the watermark requirement. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor subject to a $1,000 fine. A second or subsequent violation within a five-year period is also a second-degree misdemeanor but carries a $10,000 fine. The bill creates no civil cause of action or administrative enforcement mechanism — compliance is enforced exclusively through criminal prosecution.