Generates images with AI, in Virginia

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-386.2 · Read the law's page

• Do not maliciously disseminate or sell a videographic or still image, including one created, adapted, or modified to depict an identifiable actual person (a deepfake), showing that person nude, partially exposed, or in an image that is otherwise obscene, with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate them.
• This applies where you know or have reason to know you are not licensed or authorized to disseminate or sell the image.
• An internet service provider, email service provider, or other access-software provider is not liable under this section for content supplied by another person.
• A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Va. Code Ann. §§ 18.2-374.1, 18.2-374.1:1 · Read the law's page

• Do not produce, make, finance, or knowingly take part in producing child pornography, including a computer-generated or digitally manipulated depiction built from an identifiable minor's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic; the minor as depicted does not have to actually exist for this to apply.
• Do not knowingly possess, reproduce, sell, distribute, transmit, display, or solicit such material, or operate a website for the purpose of facilitating payment for access to it.
• Penalties are graduated by the subject's age and by whether the offender is at least seven years older than the subject, with mandatory minimum prison terms on the higher tiers.

Va. HB 635 (2026 Regular Session) — referred to JCOTS February 2026

• This measure is proposed and binds nobody yet; what follows is what it would require if it is enacted in this form.
• Disclose to users that they are not interacting with a human.
• Do not allow chatbot interactions that encourage minors toward self-harm or violence.
• Provide mental-health redirects.
• Do not train the chatbot on a minor's input without parental consent.
• Maintain a public catalog of adverse incidents.
• Report on adverse incidents semiannually.