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.
(1)(e) "Synthetic intimate representationSynthetic intimate representation"Synthetic intimate representation" means a representation generated using technological means that uses an identifiable person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic to depict an intimate representation of that person, regardless of whether the representation includes components that are artificial, legally generated, or generally accessible.Wis. Stat. § 942.09(1)(e)" means a representation generated using technological means that uses an identifiable person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic to depict an intimate representation of that person, regardless of whether the representation includes components that are artificial, legally generated, or generally accessible.
This provision adds a new defined term — synthetic intimate representation — to Wisconsin's existing nudity-depiction criminal statute. The definition is technology-neutral, covering any representation generated using technological means (including but not limited to AI) that grafts an identifiable person's face, likeness, or distinguishing characteristics onto an intimate depiction. The definition is broad: it applies regardless of whether any components of the representation are artificial, legally generated, or generally accessible.
(2)(am)4. 1 Posts, publishes, distributes, or exhibits a synthetic intimate representation of an identifiable person with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate that person.
This provision creates the bill's core criminal prohibition. It makes it a Class I felony to post, publish, distribute, or exhibit a synthetic intimate representation of an identifiable person with the intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate that person. The intent element is required — mere creation or possession of a synthetic intimate representation is not criminalized. The provision slots into the existing felony framework of § 942.09(2)(am), which already criminalizes non-consensual capture and distribution of intimate representations.
(3m)(a)3. 2 Makes a reproduction of a private representation, if the person depicted in the reproduction did not consent to the making of the reproduction.
This provision extends Wisconsin's existing Class A misdemeanor for non-consensual distribution of private representations (the state's revenge-porn statute) to cover reproduction of such representations. Under existing law, publishing or posting a private representation without consent was already criminal; this provision closes the gap by criminalizing the act of making a reproduction itself, even before distribution, if done without the depicted person's consent. This provision is not specific to AI-generated content — it applies to any reproduction method.