GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Florida has new laws aimed at strengthening protections for children from sexual predators, especially as predators are using technology to exploit children.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed multiple bills on Tuesday to toughen penalties and reporting requirements for sexual offenders, while also directly targeting the growing threat of artificial intelligence and online manipulation.
“Sexual predators will stop at nothing to be able to harm kids. Now, with these devices, these predators can get into your home. Kids play video games, and these guys can go in and entice them,” DeSantis said during the bill signing.
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Among the newly signed measures is Brooke’s Law, named after Brooke Curry, a Jacksonville teenager whose story brought national attention to the issue of AI-generated explicit images.
Curry was the victim of deepfake technology, digitally altered images that falsely showed her nude, and were shared across social media two years ago. She struggled to get the images removed.
“We are here today because we chose not to look away. Because we decided silence was not an option. Because we know victims of this crime, many of them young, vulnerable and silent, deserve a voice, justice and a path forward,” Curry said.
Under Brooke’s Law, websites are now legally required to take down fake sexual images upon the victim’s request. Additionally, online platforms must implement and prominently display a clear policy for removing deepfake content by the end of the year.
“It’s about accountability, dignity and hope for every person who has been exploited or violated,” Curry said. “You have a voice, and now, thanks to this law, you have a path forward.”
“These are people that are manipulating this stuff, but they can do it so well that a lot of people think this is authentic,” DeSantis said.
Another new law toughens penalties against enticing children by expanding the victim age, getting rid of some defenses and increasing penalties.
Brooke’s Law takes effect immediately, while the predator-focused legislation will go into effect in October.
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