The recently enacted Texas law aimed at regulating AI-produced content has stirred up perplexity within the anime community, with some expressing concerns that it might result in limitations or potentially even prohibitions of certain anime series.
Senate Bill 20, written by Senator Pete Flores, was recently turned into law and started being enforced on September 1st. This legislation considers it a felony to have or promote graphic content that seemingly portrays minors, regardless of whether the images are real photographs, digitally generated using AI, or animated works such as cartoons or anime.
In March, TopMob previously reported on the bill’s approval by the state Senate. This legislation, with its ambiguous definition of “obscenity,” potentially placed shows like Persona, Kill la Kill, Bleach, and Monogatari under review. Given this imprecise definition, numerous well-known series could be perceived as transgressions.
Cosplay contestants at the San Japan anime convention in TexasAnime fans and store owners react to Texas law
The introduction of the new law aligned with San Japan, a significant anime and gaming event in San Antonio. At this convention, attendees voiced concerns about how far-reaching SB20 might be enforced. Some participants shared their concerns with Texas Public Radio, stating that anime’s common portrayal of youthful characters in suggestive scenarios could potentially conflict with the law, even if such content isn’t intended for criminal purposes.
The effects were noticeable at the exhibition area. Due to content considered excessively suggestive in the new legal environment of Texas, visual novel publisher JAST USA and its manga imprint J18 Publishing were barred from participating in the convention on the first day itself, as per organizers’ decision. In relation to the event, Andrew Balderas, manager at Kaboom Comics, revealed that he had previously removed early volumes of Dragon Ball manga from display shelves. He mentioned the humorous scenes involving Goku and Bulma, which he believed might draw inappropriate attention due to SB20.
Experts caution that this situation demonstrates the potential for unexpected outcomes due to the law’s ambiguous terms. Dr. Jon Taylor from UT San Antonio clarified that this ambiguity could give local prosecutors leeway to pursue any animated content they deem inappropriate. Critics, such as Zenko Kurishita, a former member of Tokyo’s Metropolitan Assembly, have voiced their disapproval internationally. Domestically, U.S. organizations like the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund are preparing to contest the application of this law.
Currently, the specifics of how SB20 will be implemented are still unclear. However, potential impacts on conventions, publishing houses, and retailers indicate that this legislation could already be influencing the anime industry’s landscape in Texas, subtly shaping it over time.
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2025-09-13 19:48