Honolulu enacts strict laws targeting deepfakes, chatbots
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green has signed two laws, Acts 247 and 248, that create some of the most restrictive state-level rules on deepfakes and AI chatbots in the United States. At a ceremony in Honolulu on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Green approved House Bill 2137 as Act 247, defining highly realistic AI-generated depictions of a person’s voice, face, likeness, or performance as “realistic digital imitations.” The law allows individuals to seek up to $25,000 in civil damages per image or recording when such media causes reputational or financial harm or facilitates fraud or harassment, and bans commercial use of AI-generated likenesses without explicit written consent.
More context
Timeline
- Early 2026 Hawaii lawmakers draft AI regulations
- Legislative session Attorney General raises First Amendment concerns
- July 2026 House Bill 2137 passes legislature
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Governor Green signs Acts
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Act 247 takes immediate effect statewide
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Civil remedies established for deepfake victims
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Commercial AI likeness use requires written consent
- After enactment State anticipates constitutional legal challenges
Why it matters
These new laws in Hawaii could set a national precedent. They protect your voice, face, and likeness from being used by AI without your consent. If you've been harmed by a deepfake, you could seek up to $25,000 in damages. Check your state's laws to see where you stand.
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
