REAL Political Advertisements Act
Latest action (15 May 2023): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 1596, the REAL Political Advertisements Act, would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to address the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising. It would require that any political advertisement containing images or video footage generated in whole or in part by generative AI include a clear, conspicuous disclosure of that fact, with specific formatting rules depending on whether the ad is text, audio, video, or another format. The bill also expands the definition of "electioneering communication" to cover paid internet and digital ads, and defines "online platforms" as large websites or ad networks (generally those with 50 million or more monthly U.S. users) subject to these disclosure rules.
The bill primarily affects candidates, campaigns, political committees, and other entities that produce political advertisements, as well as online platforms and advertising vendors that sell political ad space. The Federal Election Commission would be responsible for writing implementing regulations within 120 days of enactment and would need to report to Congress on compliance and enforcement within two years, and biannually afterward.
The bill was introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar on May 15, 2023, with two cosponsors, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. It has not received a committee vote or floor action, and as of the latest available status, it remains at the introduced stage with no further congressional action taken.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Require the Exposure of AI-Led Political Advertisements Act or the REAL Political Advertisements Act
This bill expands certain disclosure and disclaimer requirements for political campaigns, including by requiring disclaimers on advertisements containing content generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Specifically, the bill requires a communication (e.g., a political advertisement) to include, in a clear and conspicuous manner, a statement if the communication contains an image or video footage that was generated in whole or in part with the use of AI. The bill outlines the requirements for determining a clear and conspicuous manner as it applies to specified communications (e.g., text or video communications).
The bill directs the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to issue a regulation related to generative AI, including the criteria for determining whether an advertisement contains an image or video footage created through generative AI.
The bill also requires reporting to the FEC of paid internet or digital communications.
Common questions
- What does S. 1596 do?
- S. 1596, the REAL Political Advertisements Act, would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to address the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising. It would require that any political advertisement containing images or video footage generated in whole or in part by generative AI include a clear, conspicuous disclosure of that fact, with specific formatting rules depending on whether the ad is text, audio, video, or another format. The bill also expands the definition of "electioneering communication" to cover paid internet and digital ads, and defines "online platforms" as large websites or ad networks (generally those with 50 million or more monthly U.S. users) subject to these disclosure rules. The bill primarily affects candidates, campaigns, political committees, and other entities that produce political advertisements, as well as online platforms and advertising vendors that sell political ad space. The Federal Election Commission would be responsible for writing implementing regulations within 120 days of enactment and would need to report to Congress on compliance and enforcement within two years, and biannually afterward. The bill was introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar on May 15, 2023, with two cosponsors, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. It has not received a committee vote or floor action, and as of the latest available status, it remains at the introduced stage with no further congressional action taken.
- Has S. 1596 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 May 2023, S. 1596 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 1596?
- S. 1596 was sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D-MN] (Democrat-MN), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1596?
- Introduced (15 May 2023).
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