Brooke’s Law in Florida: A Victory for Deepfake Victims

News Summary

Florida has introduced Brooke’s Law, aimed at protecting victims of deepfake pornography. Inspired by Brooke Curry’s tragic experience, the legislation mandates the removal of altered images from online platforms upon request. The bill highlights the urgent need for legal protection against deepfake threats, particularly for women, as disturbing statistics reveal the overwhelming prevalence of pornographic deepfakes. Representative Wyman Duggan is optimistic about the bill’s prospects as it progresses through the legislative process.

Brooke’s Law in Florida: A Brave Step Forward for Victims of Deepfake Pornography

Jacksonville, Florida – In a powerful move to combat the challenges posed by today’s technology, a new legislation known as Brooke’s Law is making strides in the state’s Capitol. This law is designed specifically to protect victims from the devastating effects of deepfake pornography, a growing problem that has recently gained national attention.

What Is Brooke’s Law?

Introduced by State Representative Wyman Duggan from Jacksonville, Brooke’s Law addresses the urgent need for legal protection against deepfakes, which have been recognized as a significant threat, particularly to women. The law is inspired by the unfortunate experience of Brooke Curry, an 18-year-old who, at just 16, became a target of a pornographic deepfake that wreaked havoc on her life.

The Story Behind the Legislation

Brooke, who is the daughter of former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, discovered that someone had taken a personal photo from her Instagram and manipulated it into a fake nude image. This violation occurred during the summer of 2023, leaving her feeling overwhelmed as her social media lit up with notifications, all pointing to the humiliating image shared on Snapchat.

When Brooke’s father realized the impact this false portrayal had on his daughter, he took immediate action. Reaching out to both the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office, he sought to have the image removed from the internet. However, the process proved to be more complicated than anticipated, revealing significant challenges in getting online platforms to comply with removal requests.

The Importance of Legal Protections

This experience made it clear to Brooke and her family that there is a dire need for legal protections for individuals facing similar situations. Not everyone has the support system that Brooke had in her parents, making the idea of legal recourse even more urgent and necessary. As Brooke herself pointed out, the ability to remove harmful content is essential for victims who may not have the same resources at their disposal.

Eye-Opening Statistics

Representative Duggan highlighted some alarming statistics regarding deepfake pornography: a staggering 98% of deepfake videos online are classified as pornographic, with a shocking 99% of these videos depicting women. Such numbers underline the significance of introducing legislation like Brooke’s Law, which seeks to amend Florida’s existing deepfake laws.

What Changes Will Brooke’s Law Bring?

Under Brooke’s Law, platforms will be required to remove altered images upon request from the victims. This will provide a sense of empowerment and agency to those targeted by such malicious acts, allowing them to take control of the unauthorized content that threatens their reputation and mental health.

The Legislative Journey

The bill has successfully made its way through initial stages in the legislative process, and it is now waiting for final votes in both the House and Senate. As of Thursday, the Senate version of the bill is set to be heard in its final committee. Brooke has also taken the courageous step of testifying before the Legislature, sharing her personal experience in hopes of influencing change.

The Road Ahead

With deepfake pornography becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among young women, the urgent need for protective measures cannot be overstated. Representative Duggan is optimistic about the legislative journey and believes that Brooke’s Law could soon reach the Governor’s desk for final approval.

Brooke’s Law represents not just a legal amendment but a much-needed lifeline for victims of deepfake pornography. As Florida continues to make strides in this important issue, it sets a powerful precedent for the rest of the nation, showing that it’s time to take a stand against the misuse of technology.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Jacksonville Teen Proposes Brooke’s Law Against Deepfake Crimes

Additional Resources

• News 4 Jax: Jacksonville Lawmaker Pushes Bill on Deepfakes
• Florida Politics: Jacksonville Bold for 4/9/25
• WOKV: Bill Named After Former Jacksonville Mayor’s Daughter
• Action News Jax: Bill Aims to Stop Deepfake Porn
• First Coast News: Jacksonville Teen Sparks State Action
• Wikipedia: Deepfake
• Google Search: deepfake legislation
• Google Scholar: deepfake pornography
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Deepfake
• Google News: Brooke’s Law Florida