Source: penncapital-star.com 11/10/25
A two-hour state Senate committee hearing explored the use of artificial intelligence to create images and videos depicting children — sometimes real, sometimes “synthetic” — in sexually suggestive poses or acts.
Possession of these kinds of images is already illegal in Pennsylvania, but the technology continues to develop faster than legislation can keep up. Protecting children “from the harmful aspects of AI” is an ongoing goal for Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery), whose newly authored bill was the focus of Monday’s Senate Majority Policy meeting.
“We want to make sure our children are protected from bad actors,” said Pennycuick. “Children are now targeted in ways we never thought possible.”
Mandated reporters in the state — including health care practitioners, teachers, clergymen and more — already must report suspected child abuse, which includes explicit materials, to law enforcement. Senate Bill 1050, would expand that to include content made by AI and builds upon previous laws that targeted deepfakes.
“Every day, I see the lifelong impact of …
