The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan has approved a new bill in its first reading aimed at prohibiting the illegal creation and distribution of materials generated via artificial intelligence (AI). The proposed legislation introduces significant fines and criminal penalties for those found guilty of producing deceptive digital content.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the draft law includes amendments to the Criminal and Criminal Procedural Codes, as well as the laws "On Information, Informatization, and Protection of Information" and "On Media." The bill was presented and discussed during today's plenary session of the parliament in Baku.
Penalties for creating fake materials with AI
According to the draft, it is prohibited to create photos, videos, or audio materials that do not reflect reality using AI technologies and specialized software by utilizing a person's image or voice without their explicit consent. Strict liability is envisioned for the dissemination of such materials through media outlets, internet information resources, or information-telecommunication networks.
Violations will be punishable by fines ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 manats or community service for 360 to 480 hours. Furthermore, the law allows for restriction of liberty for up to three years or imprisonment for the same duration.
Stricter punishments for blackmail and pornographic content
The document specifies that penalties will be intensified if these acts are committed by a group of persons, a pre-arranged group, or against two or more individuals. If the content is created to defame a person's honor and dignity, or if it targets a victim or their close relatives in connection with their official duties, the penalty increases to imprisonment for a term of three to five years.
Additionally, the creation and distribution of pornographic or sexual content using AI technologies without consent will be treated as a more serious crime. In such cases, the legislation proposes imprisonment for a term of three to seven years.
Mandatory labeling requirement for AI-generated content
The bill also stipulates that any photo, video, or audio material produced via AI technologies must adhere to specific labeling rules when displayed publicly. Such materials must be clearly marked with a visible indicator showing that they were created using AI technologies.
Following the discussions, the project was put to a vote and adopted in its first reading. This legislative move aligns with global trends as countries worldwide grapple with the ethical and legal challenges posed by generative AI and deepfakes. By establishing a legal framework, Azerbaijan aims to protect its citizens from digital disinformation and safeguard individual rights in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
