Connect with us

Government

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

Published

11 months ago

on

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 4, 2026

By

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

Continue Reading

Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 28, 2026

By

A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Continue Reading

Trending