TRENTON, NJ—New Jersey lawmakers have proposed funding to combat the rising threat of “deep fakes” with the introduction of Senate Bill No. 2545 by Senator Paul D. Moriarty, representing District 4, which includes Atlantic, Camden, and Gloucester counties. The bill establishes a Deep Fake Technology Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety and appropriates $2 million for its operation.
Introduced on February 8, the legislation defines “deep fakes” as manipulated audiovisual media created using advanced technologies that convincingly depict false realities. The rapid evolution of this technology has made it increasingly difficult to differentiate between real and altered media, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and public information integrity.
The newly formed Deep Fake Technology Unit will be tasked with providing essential technical support, expertise, education, and training to state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts. Its responsibilities include analyzing and authenticating deceptive media, offering expert testimony, and developing evidence for legal proceedings.
In addition to its primary functions, the unit will collaborate with state, federal agencies, and private sector entities to enhance strategies for detecting and managing deep fake technologies. Starting one year after its establishment, the unit will also issue annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing its activities, technological advances in media deception, and legislative recommendations to further address these emerging threats.
This act will officially take effect six months following its enactment, with preliminary administrative actions permitted to expedite the unit’s implementation.