Baku: Azerbaijan is taking legislative steps to address the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence technologies to create or distribute materials that utilize a person's image or voice without consent. This initiative was discussed during a session of the Milli Majlis, indicating a shift towards regulating AI-generated content in the country.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the proposed Article 148-2.1 of the Criminal Code outlines penalties for those who create or disseminate misleading photo, video, or audio materials using AI technologies and special software without obtaining consent from the individuals involved. The penalties include fines ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 manats, community service from 360 to 480 hours, or restriction of liberty or imprisonment for up to three years.

The proposed legislation further intensifies penalties if such acts are committed by a group or with the intent of defaming a person's reputation or discrediting them. In these cases, the punishment could involve imprisonment for three to five years. These measures aim to safeguard individuals' rights and prevent misuse of digital technologies in ways that could harm personal and professional reputations.

After thorough discussions in the legislative assembly, the draft law was put to a vote and successfully adopted in its first reading.