Federal prosecutors have brought criminal charges against two men accused of using artificial intelligence to create and share fabricated intimate images and videos of women, marking an early and closely watched test of a new federal law aimed at non-consensual deepfakes.
The cases involve Cornelius Shannon, 51, and Arturo Hernandez, 20, who were arrested Tuesday in separate investigations. Authorities say the men are not believed to have worked together, but both are now facing charges tied to the recently enacted Take It Down Act.
Prosecutors allege the AI-generated material targeted both celebrities and private individuals and drew millions of online views. If convicted, the defendants could face up to two years in prison, according to federal authorities.
What Prosecutors Are Alleging
According to court documents, Shannon is accused of creating hundreds of albums containing AI-generated intimate material involving female celebrities, public figures, and entertainers.