Relating to user reports of explicit deep fake material on social media platforms.

Deepfake protections expand, but appeals narrow

Beginning September 1, 2025, covered social media platforms in Texas must let users report explicit deepfakes and track good-faith complaints. These are images or videos made to deceive that falsely show a real person in sexual activity or exposing intimate parts. Platforms must post clear, plain-language notices explaining their duties and how to complain; a link to another page is allowed. The complaint system must also cover illegal content or activity and decisions to remove users’ posts. For explicit deepfake reports, platforms must immediately acknowledge the material, remove it and identical or substantially identical copies, and send a written update within seven days. Platforms must prevent reposting once they determine the material is an explicit deepfake. They may restore material they determine is not an explicit deepfake. Platforms do not have to provide the usual removal notice or appeal for these reported deepfake removals. Those exceptions also apply when reasonable contact attempts fail or content relates to an ongoing law enforcement investigation. For illegal-content or activity reports, platforms must make a good-faith effort to assess legality within 48 hours, excluding weekends. Reasonable exceptions apply when the notice’s legitimacy is in doubt. Violations of the chapter are actionable under Texas deceptive trade practice law.