Salazar’s bipartisan bill protects Americans against AI-generated fakes, forgeries

A bipartisan bill sponsored on Jan. 10 by U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) would create a federal framework to protect Americans’ individual rights to their likeness and voice against fake AI-generated images and sounds.

“It’s time for bad actors using AI to face the music,” Rep. Salazar said. “This bill plugs a hole in the law and gives artists and U.S. citizens the power to protect their rights, their creative work, and their fundamental individuality online.”

The congresswoman introduced the No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas And Unauthorized Duplications (No AI FRAUD) Act of 2024, H.R. 6943, alongside four original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), to protect against the recent advancements in AI technology and the development of deepfake software that have adversely affected Americans’ ability to protect their voice and likeness from misappropriation, according to the text of the bill.

If enacted, H.R. 6943, would reaffirm that everyone’s likeness and voice is protected, giving individuals the right to control the use of their identifying characteristics; empower individuals to enforce this right against those who facilitate, create, and spread AI frauds without their permission; and balance these rights against First Amendment protections to safeguard speech and innovation, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Salazar’s staff.

“Not only does our bill protect artists and performers, but it gives all Americans the tools to protect their digital personas,” said Rep. Dean. “By shielding individuals’ images and voices from manipulation, the No AI FRAUD Act prevents artificial intelligence from being used for harassment, bullying, or abuse.”

H.R. 6943 has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration.