Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has signed a bill into law that prohibits the unlawful use of digitally deceptive material in Westchester. Such content, often known as “deep fakes” refer to images, videos, or text that have been created or modified by artificial intelligence (AI) to present false information.

This legislation closes gaps in the penal law to cover not only the impersonation of an individual’s photo or video image, but also their voice, or anything else relating to their likeness using AI. The new local law will expand penalties for the creation and distribution of digitally enhanced media, ensuring Westchester County’s residents are better safeguarded from the circulation of harmful, false content.

The bill, approved unanimously by the Westchester County Board of Legislators, was spearheaded by Legislator Judah Holstein (D- Eastchester, New Rochelle, Tuckahoe) and developed in partnership with the Westchester District Attorney’s Office and the County Law Department.

The ceremonial signing took place at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester surrounded by senior citizens, who are among those most vulnerable to scams using AI.  

Jenkins said, “Using digital tools to create something that is seemingly authentic, with the intent of deceiving others, will not be tolerated in Westchester. This new law provides an additional level of protection for our residents, especially our seniors, who have increasingly fallen victim to harassment and scams. I want to thank the Westchester County Board of Legislators for introducing this new bill that addresses gaps that exist due to the progressing world of AI.”

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “Thank you to County Executive Ken Jenkins for signing this vital bill into law today.  It will help defend our residents – especially seniors and other vulnerable members of our community - from the growing threat of malicious AI use. This bill addresses a critical gap in our legal system, and I commend Legislator Holstein for his dedication to this cause. It’s through the hard work of many, including the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, that we’ve been able to take this important step toward ensuring our community is better protected from digital deception.”

Holstein said, "AI has incredible potential, but when used maliciously, it can cause real harm, especially to our seniors, women, and young people.  I’m proud to see this law signed today. It will help protect residents from the growing threats of digital deception, including AI-driven “deepfakes” used to impersonate individuals or depict them in obscene situations without consent. I want to thank County Executive Ken Jenkins for his leadership and our legislative team for their tireless work in crafting this important bill. This is a prime example of government working as it should. When leaders come together around common-sense solutions, we can act quickly to protect the public. I hope this legislation, and the collaborative, bipartisan effort behind it, serves as a model for the state and beyond."

Watch the news conference on YouTube HERE