Senators Reintroduce “No Fakes” Bill Taking on AI Deepfakes

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A diverse collection of senators, working across party lines, have once again proposed a bill to tackle the misuse of voices and images in artificial intelligence-produced deepfakes, earning approval from key players in the entertainment and technology sectors.

On Wednesday, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1) and Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) reintroduced the NO FAKES (Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe) Act. This is a follow-up to the bill that was initially presented last July. The entertainment industry groups such as SAG-AFTRA, RIAA, MPA, YouTube and OpenAI expressed their support for this legislation when it was first introduced, and they have also voiced their backing for the newly reintroduced bill.

The proposed legislation aims to grant every American citizen an unwavering federal privilege over their spoken words and visual representation, which is especially valuable for well-known actors and musicians. According to a recent press statement, this bill further mandates swift removal of unauthorized deepfakes from user-generated content platforms.

Deepfake technology has become more prevalent and user-friendly, leading to an increase in their usage, as demonstrated by a viral video from February featuring deepfakes of David Schwimmer, Jerry Seinfeld, Scarlett Johansson criticizing Kanye West for his series of antisemitic remarks.

In a statement made in February, Johansson expressed that she is a Jewish woman who unequivocally rejects antisemitism and any form of hate speech. She emphasized that while individual accountability for such acts is important, the amplification of hate speech through AI technology poses a significantly greater risk than any single person. She urged that we must be vigilant in identifying and addressing the misuse of AI, lest we lose our grasp on reality.

As a devoted fan, I was honored to stand alongside legislators in support of the bill. The MPA CEO Charlie Rivkin, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, RIAA CEO Mitch Glazier, YouTube global head of artists Vivien Lewit, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl, and country music legend Randy Travis were all present. Randy Travis, who’s been through a lot and regained his voice with the help of AI technology after a stroke, even made an appearance. Last year, he released one of the first commercial recordings to incorporate AI-cloned vocals, making it possible for his music to live on.

This legislation showcases the power of collaboration between technological and creative sectors, promoting groundbreaking innovation while safeguarding human individuality and artistic expression,” Kyncl stated. “We eagerly anticipate partnering with influential members of the US Senate and House to advance the NO FAKES Act this year.

This bill demonstrates our ability to foster AI advancement alongside safeguarding American ingenuity,” Glazier stated. “We commend Senators Blackburn, Coons, Tillis, and Klobuchar; Representatives Salazar, Dean, Moran, Balint, and their bipartisan peers for their exceptional leadership in moving this legislation forward. This legislation offers a harmonious balance of protection against abusive applications of one’s voice and appearance while upholding free speech, minimizing lawsuits, and fulfilling the potential of AI technology.

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2025-04-09 19:54