Digitization
The act of altering an image realistically using another person's image or computer-generated content.
How the laws define this
Regulatory frameworks converge on understanding digitization as a technical process that involves creating or altering media through artificial intelligence, software, or computer-generated techniques. However, these instruments diverge significantly regarding the types of media covered and the underlying scope of the activity. Under SB 926, the concept is restricted strictly to altering images in a realistic manner to create deepfakes. Mississippi SB 2577 broadens this scope to explicitly encompass both altered images and audio that realistically represent speech or conduct an individual did not engage in. In contrast, the guidance concerning sexually explicit depictions of minors provides a much wider definition, including not only content creation or alteration using advanced computational techniques like artificial intelligence, but also the fundamental process of converting raw information into a digital format.
Synthesised from the 3 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
Definitions (3)
Digitization, in the context of SB 926, refers to the process of altering an image in a realistic manner. This can involve using an image or images of a person other than the one depicted, or through the exclusive use of computer-generated images, effectively creating deepfakes.
An altered image or audio that realistically utilizes an image or audio of a person (other than the person depicted), computer-generated images or audio, commonly called deepfakes. It also includes the creation of an image or audio through software, machine learning artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, representing speech or conduct a reasonable person would believe depicts an individual who did not engage in it, and whose production was substantially dependent on technical means.
The process of converting information into a digital format, or the creation or alteration of digital content, often involving advanced computational techniques like artificial intelligence.
Related Terms
Photorealistic Image
Any digital or computer-generated image created to appear authentic to a reasonable person....
Likeness
A visual representation or characteristic of an individual, including their image or identifiable attributes....
Photograph
An image recorded by a camera or other means, expanded by HB 1071 to include AI-generated reproductions....
digital falsification
Creation/alteration of media to falsely represent real events or speech....
Forged Digital Likeness
An AI-generated visual or audio representation of a real person made to appear genuine but is not authentic....