Q: Concern about legal repercussions for deleted AI deepfakes.

A: In Arizona as of April 2025, there is no law prohibiting the creation of deepfakes, only their distribution. This advice assumes that the subject of the deepfake was 18 years or older, and that the deepfake also appears 18 years or older. So your friend should be safe.

A: It's understandable that your friend is worried about potential legal consequences. The fact that the deepfakes were created, but not distributed, and then deleted, can reduce some risk, but it doesn’t completely eliminate it. In many jurisdictions, creating or possessing deepfake images without consent can be seen as a violation of privacy, defamation, or even harassment, especially if they are of a public figure or someone well-known. However, the situation depends on local laws, and penalties vary widely by region.

If no one has seen or received the deepfakes, it's less likely that legal action would be taken. However, if they were to be discovered or circulated, there could be consequences, especially if they cause harm or distress to the person depicted. Privacy laws, along with emerging regulations around digital content, could come into play, and there’s also the potential for civil suits if the images damage someone's reputation or well-being.

To better understand the potential consequences, it would be a good idea for your friend to research the laws in their area or even consider seeking legal advice. Since this is a developing area of law, staying informed about local regulations and respecting people's privacy in the future can help avoid unnecessary issues. It’s important to learn from the experience and take steps to ensure responsible use of digital tools moving forward.