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Rockland County Passes Landmark “Damaging Deepfake Act” to Combat AI-Generated Abuse and Digital Deception

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7 months ago

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New City, NY — November 6, 2025

Rockland County lawmakers have taken a firm stand against the misuse of artificial intelligence with the unanimous passage of the “Damaging Deepfake Act,” a groundbreaking local law that criminalizes the knowing creation or distribution of deceptive digital media that falsely depicts real people without their consent.

The legislation—sponsored by County Legislator Dana Stilley—targets the growing threat of deepfakes: hyper-realistic images, videos, and audio generated by AI to impersonate individuals or fabricate events. Under the new law, those found guilty of weaponizing AI for harassment, fraud, or impersonation could face fines or jail time, with harsher penalties for repeat or malicious offenses.

“The rapid spread of manipulated videos and audio doesn’t just distort reality—it endangers reputations, safety, and trust,” Stilley said. “When someone’s face or voice can be stolen with a few clicks, we must take action. With this legislation, we are safeguarding truth and protecting our residents.”

Rising Threat of Deepfakes

According to recent data, the number of deepfake creations has exploded from roughly 500,000 in 2023 to a projected 8 million in 2025. Nearly 98% of all deepfake videos are pornographic, disproportionately targeting women. AI-driven scams and impersonation frauds are also on the rise, costing U.S. victims over $12 billion in 2023, with losses expected to triple by 2027.

During a public hearing, Stefany Ovalles, Director of Immigration and Human Trafficking Services at the Center for Safety & Change, described the devastating effects of these technologies in domestic violence and revenge pornography cases.

“Perpetrators can now control and coerce their victims without even having access to explicit material,” Ovalles said. “This law helps protect women and children, who are statistically the most likely to be victims of domestic violence and sextortion.”

Ovalles added that sextortion cases involving youth are also increasing, including incidents in local school districts.

Protecting Victims and Upholding Consent

Dr. William P. Mullaney, President of Rockland Community College, praised the measure and said the legislation sends a powerful message about digital ethics and accountability.

“These are not harmless pranks—they are acts of digital violation that can harm victims for years to come,” Mullaney said. “Consent matters, even in the digital world.”

He noted that across the country, high school and college students have found their faces inserted into false and explicit images created by artificial intelligence—often with long-lasting emotional and reputational consequences.

A Growing Movement Against Digital Deception

While some federal and state laws address aspects of digital impersonation and defamation, agencies such as the U.S. Copyright Office have acknowledged that current legal protections remain inadequate. Rockland County now joins a small but growing number of jurisdictions enacting local measures to directly combat the misuse of AI.

Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said the law reinforces community trust and accountability in an era of fast-evolving technology.

“Deepfakes are digital lies that can destroy lives in seconds,” Hood said. “This local law gives us the means to help protect residents and businesses—and sends a clear message that digital deception will not go unchecked.”

Looking Ahead

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Rockland County’s new law represents one of the strongest local responses to date against the misuse of AI for deception, exploitation, and abuse. Lawmakers say the measure underscores a simple but vital principle in the digital age: authenticity and consent still matter.

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Rockland County Urges Pedestrian Safety as Crash Numbers Remain a Concern

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8 hours ago

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June 12, 2026

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Rockland County officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant on roadways as pedestrian crashes continue to result in serious injuries and fatalities across New York State.

According to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, more than 300 pedestrians are killed and thousands more are injured on New York roadways each year. In Rockland County alone, 208 pedestrians were killed or injured in traffic crashes during 2024.

Pedestrians account for nearly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities statewide, highlighting the importance of safety measures for both drivers and those traveling on foot.

Safety officials say many pedestrian crashes occur at intersections or while crossing roadways. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield the right of way, alcohol use, and inadequate crossing infrastructure.

To help reduce the risk of crashes, Rockland County is encouraging pedestrians to follow several key safety practices:

  • Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks whenever possible.
  • Obey pedestrian traffic signals.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before entering a roadway.
  • Avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music while walking.
  • Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight when walking at night.
  • Walk facing oncoming traffic when sidewalks are unavailable.

County officials emphasize that improving pedestrian safety requires a collaborative effort involving education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. Rockland County continues to support public awareness campaigns and targeted traffic enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian-related crashes.

Officials are urging all residents—whether driving, cycling, or walking—to remain alert and follow traffic laws to help prevent avoidable tragedies.

“Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another.”

The pedestrian safety campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Additional pedestrian safety information is available through the Rockland County Safe Streets program.

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West Point Memorial Monument Unveiled at La Fière Bridge Honors WWII Leaders

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2 days ago

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June 10, 2026

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A new West Point Memorial Monument was unveiled on June 4, 2026, at La Fière Bridge in Sainte-Mère-Église, France, as part of the 82nd Anniversary commemoration of D-Day.

The monument honors more than 150 graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Long Gray Line who led and fought during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that began on June 6, 1944.

Among the most notable West Point graduates associated with the Normandy campaign are General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force; Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, who commanded U.S. ground forces on D-Day; Lieutenant General J. Lawton Collins, who led VII Corps during the assault on Utah Beach; and Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, who commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the airborne operations preceding the landings. These leaders played pivotal roles in planning and executing the operation that helped turn the tide of World War II in Europe.

Situated near the historic La Fière Bridge, a strategic objective during the Normandy campaign and the site of intense fighting following the airborne landings, the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of West Point graduates who served during the liberation of Europe.

The bridge itself was a critical objective for Allied airborne forces, particularly elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, who fought to secure crossings and protect the inland advance from Utah Beach. The surrounding area remains one of the most studied and visited battlefields of the Normandy campaign.

The unveiling ceremony brought together military leaders, dignitaries, historians, veterans, and members of the public to honor the legacy of those who fought during D-Day and the broader Normandy campaign. The monument serves as a permanent reminder of the contributions made by generations of West Point graduates in defense of freedom during World War II.

Photo: Samantha Sergi

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