Tennessee Governor Lee Signs Law Criminalizing AI-Generated Child Pornography

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed Senate Bill 741 into law to combat AI-generated child pornography, effective July 1. The legislation criminalizes the possession, distribution, or production of software or technology designed to create AI-generated child sexual abuse material, with penalties ranging from Class E to Class B felonies. Sponsored by Senator Ken Yager, the law targets the misuse of AI tools to generate realistic but synthetic images of minors in pornographic contexts, while preserving legitimate AI applications. Law enforcement officials, including Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch, praised the measure for equipping authorities to address this emerging threat and protecting children from exploitation. The law reflects growing concerns about the potential for AI to be used by bad actors to create abusive content and is considered a proactive step in adapting legal frameworks to rapidly evolving technology. Tennessee is positioned as a leader in implementing specific, balanced legislation to prevent AI-driven exploitation of minors.