Associated Incidents
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) --- State leaders are working to pass legislation to hold people accountable for spreading fake content on the internet used to impersonate people or deceive people.
Bree Smith, former Nashville meteorologist and TV personality, testified on the house floor today. She shared her story in support of a bill to criminally charge people for sharing fake content.
"Last fall, fake Facebook accounts pretending to be me started popping up showing my face on someone else semi-nude body," said Smith.
Smith says these naked pictures and videos with her face on people's bodies she doesn't know were spread on fake accounts made pretending to be here. This is an example of a deepfake.
When people edit videos or pictures using artificial intelligence trying to convince people they are real.
Smith says the impostor accounts made of her were tricking people to send them money and personal information.
"Any teenager can download this information that is why legislation is so important to send a message out there," said former FBI agent Scott Augenbaum.
"It's very easy for people to manipulate AI so it's about time they think twice about doing it because there are no consequences right now," said Augenbaum.
No one knows who did this to Smith, and lawmakers are trying to make sure they have laws when they do catch people who spread fake information online.
"We have to make sure as a lawmaker and as lawmakers that we pass laws to keep up with technology to protect Tennesseans," said State Representative, Jason Powell.