SC attorney general and lawmakers propose laws to protect children from online threats

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — AI technology has led to a world of new possibilities.

However, it has also resulted in a new way for online predators to operate say state leaders.

“Since the 90s, the law has struggled to keep up with technology. As technology has evolved, criminals have evolved in the way they exploit children,” said Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general.

One such way criminals exploit children is through something called MPIC.

“This is when a child’s picture is taken from another photo on TikTok or Facebook and morphed into an image to appear as if the child is engaged in a sexual activity,” said Rep. Raye Felder, a Republican from Fort Mill.

Some child sexual abuse material online involves children who are not even real.

“You’ve heard about deep fakes. That’s exactly what this is,” said Sen. Brad Hutto, Democrat minority leader. “If you saw this imagery, it’s horrible, but it’s not real. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be against the law. It feeds a marketplace that we do not want to feed.”

Currently, these AI generated images are not against the law, which is something two bills being introduced this legislative session hope to change.

“It allows us to go after those people who are using technology who are trying to get around the law to continue feeding the market of exploiting children,” Wilson said. “Today, we are letting South Carolina know that we are working in a bipartisan fashion to say ‘Enough!” If you are going to try to exploit children, we are coming for you.”

The two bills being discussed have support from both parties and Senator Brad Hutto is confident that they will be passed quickly. 

“These are important tools for law enforcement,” the senator said. “I don’t think we’ll have any problem with making the deadline.”