Last year, Childhelp proudly supported landmark legislation in Arizona aimed at closing a dangerous gap in child protection laws — one that emerging technology had begun to exploit.
That legislation, HB2678, sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby, criminalized the use of artificial intelligence to create pornographic images of children that are indistinguishable from real photographs. The bill recognized a critical truth: Harm does not require a camera if the outcome perpetuates exploitation.
Today, that law is already making an impact.
According to an announcement from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the first indictments under HB2678 have been issued, marking a significant milestone in the fight to protect children in the digital age.
From Legislation to Action
The case involves a Maricopa County man indicted on multiple felony charges related to child sexual exploitation, including the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate images. Prosecutors allege that AI was used to superimpose a real child’s face onto explicit images, creating material that is indistinguishable from real abuse.
This is exactly the kind of harm HB2678 was designed to address.
The law, signed by Governor Katie Hobbs and enacted in September 2025, ensures that AI-generated or digitally altered images of child sexual abuse are treated the same as real images under the law.
Why This Law Matters
As technology evolves, so do the tactics used to exploit children.
AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime. Even when images are digitally created or altered, they can:
- Re-victimize real children by using their likeness
- Fuel demand for exploitative content
- Normalize abuse and desensitize offenders
- Be used to groom or manipulate other children
Without laws like HB2678, perpetrators could evade accountability by claiming the images were “not real.” Arizona has made it clear: If it looks like child abuse, it will be prosecuted as child abuse.
A Critical Step Forward
The first indictments under this law send a powerful message: Arizona is not waiting to react to emerging threats; it is actively confronting them.
“This case makes it clear that technology does not change the reality of harm. It only changes the method,” says Eddie Smith, Childhelp’s Organizational Advancement Director. “When a child’s image is used to create exploitative content, the damage is real, the trauma is real, and the need for accountability is real. Laws like HB2678 ensure that those who misuse emerging technology to harm children will be held responsible.”
For organizations like Childhelp, this moment reinforces the importance of proactive advocacy. Protecting children today means anticipating the risks of tomorrow.
What Comes Next
While this case represents progress, it is only the beginning.
Childhelp will continue to advocate for stronger protections, increased awareness, and resources for prevention and intervention. Technology will continue to evolve, but so must our commitment to safeguarding children.
If you suspect a child is being abused or exploited, help is available. Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline via call or text at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or chat at Childhelphotline.org.
