As a mother of two small children, I am deeply troubled by the outdated federal laws that leave our children vulnerable to the dangers of wholly synthetic AI-generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The advancement of generative artificial intelligence has inadvertently created a loophole within the First Amendment, due to a Supreme Court decision from 2002 (Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition). This decision, made more than two decades ago, could never have anticipated the technological capabilities we face today, putting our children's safety at risk.

AI technologies have evolved at a rapid pace, enabling the rapid creation and dissemination of lifelike and disturbing images that, while synthetic, are indistinguishable from real-life instances of sexual abuse. The current legal framework, which has remained unchanged for far too long, fails to address this new reality, posing significant dangers to children, families, and communities across the nation.

The existing Supreme Court precedent essentially prevents law enforcement from prosecuting those who produce and distribute AI-generated CSAM, hiding behind the excuse of free speech. This not only undermines the immense progress made in child protection laws over the years but also makes us wonder how many more children need to be victimized before action is taken.

It is imperative that our lawmakers recognize this critical threat and move swiftly to close this loophole. By passing federal legislation specifically targeting wholly synthetic AI-generated CSAM, we can effectively combat these heinous crimes, provide law enforcement with the tools they need, and secure a safer future for our children.

We urge Congress to take immediate and decisive action and revise  18 U.S.C. § 2251 & § 2252A and  18 U.S.C. § 1466A; to bring our legal system into alignment with today's technological realities, prioritize the protection of children, and safeguard public safety. Our children deserve to grow in a world where they are genuinely protected against all forms of abuse.

Please join me in demanding that our leaders take necessary action by signing this petition. Together, we can stand united for a cause that protects the most vulnerable members of our society.