Home › Topics › election deepfakes
U.S. AI Laws: election deepfakes
As of 2026-08-12, AI Laws USA tracks 51 U.S. AI rules on election deepfakes across federal, state, county, and city government. Each entry links to its official source.
Federal election deepfakes rules (3)
-
In effect
TCPA (AI voice calls)
United States · Effective 2024-02-08 · 47 U.S.C. § 227; FCC 24-17
Robocalls using AI-cloned or AI-generated voices are treated like other 'artificial voice' calls: callers need your prior express consent, must identify themselves, and must offer opt-outs for telemarketing. You can personally sue violators for $500 to $1,500 per illegal call.
-
In effect
FCC Lingo Telecom Biden deepfake fine
United States · Effective 2024-08-21 · FCC Consent Decree, DA 24-823 (Aug. 21, 2024)
The FCC fined voice provider Lingo Telecom $1 million for carrying AI-generated robocalls that used a cloned voice of President Biden to suppress votes in the January 2024 New Hampshire primary. It was the first FCC enforcement action against a carrier for transmitting AI deepfake robocalls.
-
Expired
Bot Disclosure Act (Feinstein, died)
United States · S. 3127, 115th Cong. (2018) — died in committee
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's June 2018 bill would have required social media platforms to mandate disclosure of automated bots and would have banned political campaigns from using bots in disguised political ads. The first federal bot-disclosure proposal — never received committee action but inspired CA SB 1001 (2018, enacted) and NJ Bot Disclosure Act (2019, enacted).
State election deepfakes rules (48)
-
In effect
PR Ley 105-2026 (AI Elections)
Puerto Rico · Effective 2026-06-10 · Ley Núm. 105-2026 (P. del S. 101)
Puerto Rico's Law 105-2026 amends the Electoral Code to require clear disclosure on any political ad created or materially modified by AI — text, image, audio, or video. Signed by Governor Jenniffer González on June 10, 2026. First standalone AI law on the books in PR.
-
In effect
Guam Bill 209-38 / AI Deepfake Election Regulation Act
Guam · Effective 2026-03-16 · Guam Artificial Intelligence Deepfake Election Regulation Act (Bill 209-38 (COR), 38th Guam Leg.); enacted before March 16, 2026; PL# not confirmed
Bill prohibiting creation or distribution of materially deceptive media produced by generative AI in connection with Guam elections. Allows clearly labeled AI-generated content. Opposed by Guam Homeland Security on First Amendment grounds.
-
In effect
FL HB 919 AI political/commercial disclosure
FL · Effective 2024-07-01 · Ch. 2024-126, Laws of Fla.; Fla. Stat. § 106.143
Florida requires any political ad using AI-generated content to carry a clear disclaimer; failing to disclose AI use in a political or paid ad — or using AI to materially deceive — is a first-degree misdemeanor. Enforcement is via the Florida Elections Commission and the Department of State.
-
In effect
Maryland SB 141 (election deepfakes)
Maryland · Effective 2026-06-01 · 2026 Md. Laws ch. 444 (SB 141)
This law makes it a crime to knowingly or with reckless disregard create, use, or disseminate a deepfake to produce materially false information in the election context. It also directs the State Administrator of Elections to publicly issue correct information when there is a credible report of election misinformation, and lets the State Board of Elections file a civil action. The prohibition does not apply to satire or parody or to bona fide news broadcasting.
-
In effect
Vermont Election Deepfake Law
Vermont · Effective 2026-03-06 · 2026 VT Acts No. 75 (S.23)
Campaign media featuring AI-generated images, audio, or video used within 90 days of a Vermont election must carry a clear disclosure — on video for the full duration, in audio at the beginning, end, and every two minutes. Fines up to $1,000 first offense, $15,000 for repeats.
-
In effect
NV AI Election Ad Disclosure
Nevada · Effective 2026-01-01 · 2025 Nev. Laws Ch. 224 (AB 73); NRS ch. 294A
Nevada political ads containing AI-generated or digitally manipulated images, audio, or video must disclose it clearly, effective January 1, 2026. Wrongly depicted candidates can seek legal relief; satire and entertainment content is exempt.
-
In effect
ND HB 1167 (political ads using AI to impersonate must say so)
North Dakota · Effective 2025-08-01 · N.D. Cent. Code ch. 16.1-10; 2025 N.D. Laws (HB 1167)
North Dakota now requires a clear disclaimer on political advertising or communications that use artificial intelligence to visually or audibly impersonate a real person. Covered content must display the statement 'THIS CONTENT GENERATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.' The requirement targets AI impersonations in political video, audio, and images, and does not apply to ordinary tools like spell-check, grammar correction, or stylistic editing.
-
In effect
Rhode Island 17-30 (ban on undisclosed election deepfakes near an election)
Rhode Island · Effective 2025-07-02 · R.I. Gen. Laws 17-30-1 to 17-30-4; P.L. 2025, ch. 409 & 410, eff. July 2, 2025
Rhode Island bars distributing synthetic media that the distributor knows is a deceptive and fraudulent deepfake of a candidate within 90 days of an election. The ban does not apply if the image, audio, or video carries a clear disclosure that it was manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence. A candidate depicted in violating media can sue to block its distribution and may also recover damages.
-
In effect
SD Election Deepfake Law
South Dakota · Effective 2025-07-01 · SD SB 164 (2025); signed Mar. 31, 2025; eff. July 1, 2025
South Dakota requires that intentionally harmful, unlabeled AI deepfakes of politicians distributed within 90 days of an election carry an AI-manipulation disclosure; violators face civil and criminal liability. Broadcasters, newspapers, websites, and radio stations are exempt, as are satire and parody.
-
In effect
NJ Deceptive AI Deepfakes Act
New Jersey · Effective 2025-04-02 · P.L.2025, c.40 (N.J. A3540/S2544)
New Jersey's omnibus deepfake law establishes criminal and civil penalties for producing or distributing deceptive AI audio/video used to facilitate crimes — including sexual exploitation of minors, harassment, extortion, and election interference. Violations are a third-degree crime carrying up to five years and fines up to $30,000, and victims can sue.
-
In effect
Kentucky SB 4 (AI Governance)
Kentucky · Effective 2025-03-24 · 2025 Ky. Acts (SB 4)
Kentucky SB 4 establishes an AI governance framework for state government — agencies need approval before deploying AI, must conduct risk assessments, disclose AI use in decisions, and keep human oversight for consequential decisions. It also bans undisclosed AI-generated content falsely depicting people in political communications, with a civil remedy for those depicted.
-
Blocked / in litigation
CA AB 2655 (deepfake takedown)
CA · Effective 2025-01-01 · Cal. Elec. Code §§ 20510–20517; AB 2655, Ch. 261, Stats. 2024
California passed a law requiring large online platforms to label or remove materially deceptive AI-generated content related to elections, and authorized candidates and election officials to sue for injunctive relief and damages. A federal court has blocked enforcement of key provisions while First Amendment litigation proceeds.
-
In effect
California AB 2355 (AI-generated political ads must disclose the AI use)
California · Effective 2025-01-01 · AB 2355, Stats. 2024 (amending the Political Reform Act of 1974)
A political committee that creates, publishes, or distributes a campaign ad whose images, audio, or video were generated or substantially altered using AI must include a clear disclosure stating that AI was used. The disclosure follows specific formatting rules depending on whether the ad is print, audio, or video. The state campaign-finance regulator can enforce it, with penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
-
In effect
California AB 2655 (big platforms must block/label election deepfakes)
California · Effective 2025-01-01 · Cal. Elec. Code 20510-20520 (AB 2655, Stats. 2024)
Large online platforms with at least 1 million California users must identify materially deceptive AI-generated political content about California elections and either block it or label it during set windows around an election. They must also give California residents a way to report content that was not handled. The Attorney General, district attorneys, city attorneys, and affected candidates or election officials can go to court to force compliance.
-
In effect
Delaware Election Deepfake Law
Delaware · Effective 2024-10-09 · 2024 DE HB 316; 15 Del. C.
Delaware criminalizes distributing AI-generated deepfakes of candidates or election officials within 90 days of an election with intent to harm or deceive. Basic violations are a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to a Class E felony for repeats; a clear disclosure is a complete safe harbor.
-
In effect
Alabama Election Deepfake Law
Alabama · Effective 2024-10-01 · 2024 Ala. Acts (HB 172)
Alabama criminalizes distributing materially false AI-generated media intended to harm a candidate or mislead voters within 90 days of an election. First violation is a misdemeanor; repeats within five years are felonies. Clearly disclaimed synthetic media is exempt.
-
Blocked / in litigation
CA AB 2839 (enjoined)
CA · Effective 2024-09-17 · Cal. AB 2839 (2024); Kohls v. Bonta, No. 2:24-cv-02527 (E.D. Cal.)
California AB 2839 banned materially deceptive AI-generated election content within 120 days of an election. A federal court preliminarily enjoined enforcement on October 2, 2024 in Kohls v. Bonta, finding likely First Amendment violations. The case was fully briefed at the Ninth Circuit as of March 11, 2026.
-
Blocked / in litigation
CA AB 2655 (enjoined)
CA · Effective 2024-09-17 · Cal. AB 2655 (2024); Kohls v. Bonta, No. 2:24-cv-02527 (E.D. Cal.) — struck Aug. 29, 2025 (Babylon Bee LLC and X Corp. consolidated as co-plaintiffs)
California AB 2655 required large online platforms to block or label deceptive election deepfakes. Permanently enjoined on August 20, 2025 in Kohls v. Bonta (E.D. Cal.) on Section 230 preemption grounds — the first permanent injunction of a state platform deepfake law.
-
Blocked / in litigation
AB 2839 (Election Deepfakes)
California · Effective 2024-09-17 · Cal. Elec. Code § 20012 (AB 2839); Kohls v. Bonta, E.D. Cal.
This law banned knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated deepfakes of candidates and election officials in the months around an election. Federal courts blocked it on First Amendment grounds, and it is currently unenforceable.
-
In effect
NH Election Deepfake Law
New Hampshire · Effective 2024-08-01 · RSA 664:14-c (2024)
Prohibits distributing AI-generated deepfakes of candidates or election officials within 90 days of an election unless clearly disclosed as AI-manipulated. Depicted candidates can seek injunctions and damages.
-
In effect
MS Deepfake Law
Mississippi · Effective 2024-07-01 · Miss. SB 2577, 2024 Reg. Sess., eff. July 1, 2024; new section to Miss. Code Ann. Title 97, Ch. 13
Mississippi criminalizes the wrongful dissemination of 'digitizations' — defined as deepfakes created using AI, machine learning, or computer-generated means — when done with intent to cause violence, harm, or deter someone from voting. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
-
In effect
CO Candidate Deepfake Disclosure Law
Colorado · Effective 2024-07-01 · Colo. Rev. Stat. Secs. 1-45-111.5 to -111.7, 1-46-101 to -106 (HB 24-1147)
Colorado restricts distributing AI-generated deepfakes that falsely depict a candidate for elective office within set windows before a primary or general election, when the distributor knows or recklessly disregards that the depiction is false. A communication is shielded from liability if it carries a clear and conspicuous disclaimer stating the media has been edited and falsely depicts speech or conduct. Complaints can be filed with the Secretary of State, and affected candidates have a private right of action.
-
In effect
HB 919 (AI Political Ad Disclaimers)
Florida · Effective 2024-07-01 · Fla. Stat. § 106.145 (CS/HB 919, 2024)
Florida political ads that use generative AI to depict a real person doing something they never did — with intent to injure a candidate or deceive voters — must carry a clear disclaimer that the content was created with generative AI. Failing to include the disclaimer is a first-degree misdemeanor.
-
In effect
AZ Election Deepfake Disclosure Law
Arizona · Effective 2024-05-29 · 2024 Ariz. Sess. Laws (SB 1359); A.R.S. tit. 16
Arizona requires creators and sponsors of AI-generated synthetic media in election communications to include a clear disclosure within 90 days before an election. News, satire, and parody are exempt; candidates can seek injunctions.
-
In effect
AZ Digital Impersonation Law
Arizona · Effective 2024-05-21 · 2024 Ariz. Sess. Laws (HB 2394); A.R.S. § 13-2006
Any Arizona citizen or candidate can go to court to stop the unconsented publication of a digital impersonation of themselves, and using AI-generated images, voice, or video of another person with intent to defraud or harass is a felony. Passed 57-0.
-
In effect
New Mexico Political Deepfake Law
New Mexico · Effective 2024-05-15 · 2024 N.M. Laws (HB 182), amending NMSA 1978 Campaign Reporting Act
New Mexico requires political campaigns to include a prominent disclaimer — 'This has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence' — on any campaign ad containing materially deceptive AI content, and criminalizes distributing materially deceptive political media.
-
In effect
Utah S.B. 131 (AI-generated political ads must say 'generated by AI')
Utah · Effective 2024-05-01 · Utah Laws 2024, S.B. 131; Utah Code 20A-11-1104, 76-3-203.18
Utah requires political audio and video communications that contain AI-generated 'synthetic media' to carry a clear disclosure that the content was made with AI. The rule covers paid communications meant to influence voting for or against a candidate or ballot proposition, and specifies the exact disclosure wording for audio, image, and video. A person can sue the creator or sponsor, and a court may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.
-
In effect
New York AIDPA (AI deepfake political media must be disclosed)
New York · Effective 2024-04-20 · N.Y. Election Law 14-106; L. 2024, ch. 58, pt. MM
If someone knowingly puts out a political ad or message that contains AI-generated or otherwise materially deceptive media (such as a deepfake of a candidate), they must include a clear disclaimer saying the content has been manipulated. A candidate harmed by an undisclosed deepfake can ask a court to stop it.
-
In effect
Oregon SB 1571 (campaign ads must disclose AI/synthetic media)
Oregon · Effective 2024-03-27 · 2024 Or. Laws ch. 62 (SB 1571)
Oregon requires campaign communications that use synthetic media (an AI-generated or AI-manipulated image, audio, or video depicting a person's voice or likeness) to carry a disclosure telling viewers the content was altered or created with artificial intelligence. The Secretary of State (or the Attorney General when the Secretary of State race is involved) can go to court to stop a non-compliant communication. Violators can face a civil penalty.
-
In effect
ID FAIR Elections Act
Idaho · Effective 2024-03-25 · Idaho HB 664, 67th Leg., 2nd Reg. Sess. (2024), signed Mar. 25, 2024
Idaho's FAIR Elections Act requires disclosure when AI-generated synthetic audio or video is used in election campaign materials and prohibits deceptive deepfakes in electioneering communications. Candidates falsely depicted can seek injunctive relief and civil damages.
-
In effect
WI AI Election Disclosure Law
Wisconsin · Effective 2024-03-22 · 2023 Wis. Act 123; Wis. Stat. ch. 11
Wisconsin requires political communications paid for by campaigns, PACs, or parties to carry a clear 'Contains content generated by AI' disclosure if they include synthetic media. Violations carry up to $1,000 per offense via the Ethics Commission.
-
In effect
MI SOS Deepfake Election Policy
MI · Effective 2024-02-13 · Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.932f, enacted by P.A. 265 of 2023
Michigan's Secretary of State adopted a statewide response plan for AI-generated deepfake election content, coordinating with Michigan Cyber Command and Michigan State Police. Local clerks have standardized procedures for documenting and escalating AI deepfake incidents.
-
In effect
Michigan Election Deepfake Law
Michigan · Effective 2024-02-13 · 2023 Mich. Pub. Acts 263–266; MCL 169.259
Michigan requires clear AI-disclosure disclaimers on political ads created substantially with AI, and separately bans distributing materially deceptive media to influence an election within 90 days of a vote. Distributing election deepfakes without disclosure is a felony punishable by up to five years.
-
In effect
Michigan HB 5141 (AI political-ad disclaimer)
Michigan · Effective 2024-02-13 · 2023 Mich. Pub. Act 263 (HB 5141), amending the Michigan Campaign Finance Act
Michigan amended its Campaign Finance Act so that a political advertisement created in whole or substantially through artificial intelligence must carry a clear statement disclosing that AI was used. The rule reaches print, audio, and video messages relating to candidates, elections, or ballot questions in the state. The Secretary of State sets the size and placement standards for the required disclaimer, with limited exemptions for items too small to label.
-
Blocked / in litigation
MN HF 1370 (partially enjoined)
MN · Effective 2023-08-01 · Minn. Stat. ch. 58 (2023); Kohls v. Ellison, No. 0:24-cv-03754 (D. Minn.)
Minnesota HF 1370 criminalized election deepfakes (it remains in effect for non-consensual intimate imagery). The election-deepfake portions were challenged in Kohls v. Ellison (D. Minn. No. 0:24-cv-03754). The district court denied the preliminary injunction on January 10, 2025, and the Eighth Circuit upheld that denial on appeal. The law is currently in effect pending further litigation.
-
In effect
MN Deepfake Law
Minnesota · Effective 2023-08-01 · 2023 Minn. Laws ch. 58 (HF 1370); Minn. Stat. §§ 617.261, 211B.16
Minnesota criminalized two kinds of AI deepfakes in 2023: nonconsensual intimate deepfakes of anyone, and election deepfakes of candidates distributed within 90 days of an election without consent. Victims of intimate deepfakes can also sue. X Corp. has challenged the election provision in court.
-
In effect
SB 5152 (Election Synthetic Media)
Washington · Effective 2023-07-23 · RCW ch. 42.62 (SB 5152, 2023)
Election ads in Washington that use AI-manipulated or synthetic depictions of candidates must disclose it. Candidates harmed by undisclosed synthetic media can sue for damages and injunctive relief.
-
In effect
NJ Bot Disclosure Act (bots must identify themselves)
New Jersey · Effective 2020-07-19 · N.J.S.A. 56:18-1 et seq.; P.L. 2019, c.486
New Jersey makes it unlawful to use an online bot to communicate or interact with a person in the state in order to deceive them about the bot's artificial identity, when the goal is to sell or advertise merchandise or real estate, or to solicit support for a candidate, party, or ballot question in an election. The use of the bot is allowed if it is clearly and conspicuously disclosed up front. The Attorney General enforces the law and can pursue civil penalties.
-
In effect
TX SB 751 (2019, first state election deepfake law)
TX · Effective 2019-09-01 · Tex. Elec. Code § 255.004 (as amended by SB 751, 86th Leg. R.S. 2019)
Texas SB 751 (signed June 14, 2019) was the first U.S. state law making it a crime to create or distribute election deepfakes. Criminalizes creating/publishing/distributing a deepfake video with intent to injure a candidate or influence an election within 30 days of an election; Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail and $4,000 fine). Still in effect 2026.
-
In effect
CA SB 1001 BOT Act (2018, historical framing)
CA · Effective 2019-07-01 · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17940-17943 (SB 1001, 2018)
Signed by Governor Brown on September 28, 2018, California SB 1001 was the first U.S. state law requiring bots to disclose they are not human when used to incentivize a sale or influence a vote. Still in effect 2026 at Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17940-17943. The first state bot-disclosure law and direct precursor to NJ Bot Disclosure Act (2019), federal Bot Disclosure Act of 2018 (S. 3127, died), and modern chatbot disclosure laws (UT SB 226, NE LB 525, etc.).
-
In effect
California Bot Disclosure Act (bots must self-identify in sales/election messaging)
California · Effective 2019-07-01 · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17940-17943 (SB 1001, Stats. 2018)
California makes it unlawful to use a bot to communicate with someone in the state while concealing that it is a bot, when the goal is to deceive the person in order to push a commercial sale or influence their vote. There is a safe harbor: there is no liability as long as the operator clearly and conspicuously discloses that a bot is in use. In practice it is a disclosure mandate rather than a ban on automated accounts.
-
In effect
MT Election Deepfake Law
Montana · Mont. SB 25, 69th Leg., 2025 Reg. Sess.; enrolled bill: legiscan.com/MT/text/SB25/id/3212547
Montana prohibits unlabeled deepfakes in election and electioneering communications within 60 days of an election. If AI-generated media is labeled as such, it is permitted. Candidates falsely depicted can obtain court injunctions, the Commissioner of Political Practices can investigate and impose fines, and repeat offenders face criminal prosecution.
-
Blocked / in litigation
Hawaii Election Deepfake Law (blocked)
Hawaii · 2024 HI Sess. Laws Act 191 (SB 2687); D. Haw. permanent injunction Jan. 30, 2026
Hawaii enacted a law in 2024 prohibiting materially deceptive AI-generated media of candidates near elections — but a federal court permanently enjoined it on January 30, 2026, finding it violated the First Amendment. The law remains on the books but is currently unenforceable.
-
Proposed / pending
PR P. de la C. 877 (Deepfake Attacks)
Puerto Rico · P. de la C. 877 (19th Leg. Assembly)
House bill establishing a reporting and remedies process for political candidates targeted by AI-generated attack ads or deepfake disinformation. Public hearing March 10, 2025; no further action since.
-
Expired
CA AB 730 (2019, expired)
CA · Effective 2020-01-01 · Cal. AB 730 (2019), former Cal. Elec. Code §§ 20010-20012 — expired Jan. 1, 2023
California AB 730 (Berman, 2019) was the first California law criminalizing materially deceptive election deepfakes within 60 days of an election. The statute included a sunset clause and expired on January 1, 2023 — replaced and expanded by AB 2655 / AB 2839 / AB 2355 in 2024 (both AB 2655 and AB 2839 were subsequently enjoined).
-
Expired
AK SB 177 — AI deepfakes / cybersecurity / data privacy (dead, 2024)
Alaska · AK SB 177 (33rd Alaska Legislature, 2023-2024)
A 2023-2024 Alaska Senate bill that would have required disclosure of AI-generated deepfakes in campaign communications and addressed state cybersecurity and data privacy. It died without passing: the 33rd Alaska Legislature adjourned on May 15, 2024 with the bill still stuck in Senate committee referrals (Judiciary, then Finance). This entry is kept only as a historical record of a dead bill — it is NOT a law in effect and does not protect anyone today. The same subject matter is being pursued in the current 34th Legislature as AK SB 2.
-
Expired
AK HB 358 — deepfake defamation / electioneering (dead, 2024)
Alaska · AK HB 358 (33rd Alaska Legislature, 2023-2024)
A 2023-2024 Alaska House bill that would have created defamation claims based on the use of deepfakes and regulated the use of deepfakes in electioneering communications. It passed the House but died without becoming law: the 33rd Alaska Legislature adjourned on May 15, 2024 with the bill stalled in the Senate Rules Committee. This entry is kept only as a historical record of a dead bill — it is NOT a law in effect and does not protect anyone today. The same subject matter is being pursued in the current 34th Legislature as AK SB 33.
-
Vetoed
FL HB 919 (partially vetoed)
FL · Fla. HB 919 (2024) — signed April 26, 2024; effective July 1, 2024
Florida HB 919 requires disclaimers on AI-generated political ads. Governor DeSantis signed the bill on April 26, 2024; it became effective July 1, 2024. It was NOT vetoed.