Utah Senate Bill 256 — Identity Protection Modifications
Utah · Utah Code 45-2-3.5, 45-2-14 (S.B. 256, 2026 Gen. Sess.)
Utah's defamation law now expressly states it is not a defense to a libel or slander claim that the content was made with generative AI, computer animation, digital manipulation, or simulated/recreated content. Before suing over digitally created content, the person must send the publisher written notice; if the publisher removes it within 10 days, the plaintiff can recover only actual damages.
Technical detail
Enacts Utah Code 45-2-3.5 (generative-AI/digital manipulation is not a defense to libel or slander) and 45-2-14 (pre-suit written notice; recovery limited to actual damages if removed within 10 days; no liability on 47 U.S.C. 230 services).
Who is protected: Individuals who are subjects of allegedly defamatory AI-generated or digitally manipulated content.
Who must comply: Plaintiffs bringing libel/slander actions over digitally created content (notice obligation); publishers, who get the 10-day removal option.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Utah |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2026-05-06 |
| Enacted | 2026-03-25 |
| Citation | Utah Code 45-2-3.5, 45-2-14 (S.B. 256, 2026 Gen. Sess.) |
| Enforced by | None (private civil litigation in Utah courts). |
| Private right of action | Yes — individuals can sue |
| Penalties | Pre-existing libel and slander remedies; if the publisher removes content within 10 days of notice, recovery is limited to actual damages. |
| Topics | deepfakes · consumer protection |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | Enrolled Copy S.B. 256, Identity Protection Modifications (2026 General Session) ↗ |
More AI rules in Utah
- Utah AI Policy Act · In effect
- HB 452 (Mental Health Chatbots) · In effect
- Utah H.B. 148 (computer-generated CSAM & intimate images count as illegal) · In effect
- Utah H.B. 238 (AI-generated child sexual abuse material is illegal) · In effect
- Utah S.B. 131 (AI-generated political ads must say 'generated by AI') · In effect
- Utah S.B. 226 (must disclose you're talking to AI on request; AI use no excuse) · In effect
Related deepfakes rules elsewhere
- TAKE IT DOWN Act · In effect
- TCPA (AI voice calls) · In effect
- DEFIANCE Act (deepfake-porn civil suits) · Proposed / pending
- SB 942 (AI Transparency Act) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- AB 2839 (Election Deepfakes) · Blocked / in litigation
- AB 602 (Deepfake Intimate Images) · In effect
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