Rockland County lawmakers unanimously passed a law that is aimed at stopping the spread of AI-generated fakes. It’s called the Damaging Deepfake Act.

“I think that’s what we should be doing, it has to start somewhere,” said Ann Lane.

Deepfakes are videos and pictures that have been altered that critics say can steal identities, destroy reputations and fuel online abuse.

“We certainly want to be sure that our community is safe,” said Rockland County Legislator Dana Stilley.

Stilley says the rapid spread of manipulated videos and audio doesn’t just distort reality, it endangers people’s safety. She says deep fake videos are often sexually explicit and target women.

Advocates from the Center for Safety & Change say it’s not just adults who can be impacted.

"When you're a teenager, a middle schooler, whose brain isn't quite yet developed to understand right and wrong, to understand consequences, it's deeply troubling,” said Stefany Ovalles, the director of Immigration and Human Trafficking Services for the Center for Safety & Change.

AI can clone a person’s voice, face or gestures with precision and can also be used to scam victims out of money or commit fraud.

“We need to be sure and clear that the information we are getting is trustworthy,” said Stilley.

The law isn’t in effect yet. Stilley says they’re just waiting on the county executive’s signature.

Once it is in effect, those who weaponize Artificial Intelligence for things like harassment, fraud or impersonation can face fines or even jail time with tougher penalties for repeat offenders.