All bills
S. 2770·118th Congress·Senate Bill

Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act

Ordered ReportedTrack

Latest action (15 May 2024): Committee on Rules and Administration. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

What this bill does

S. 2770, the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to bar knowingly distributing "materially deceptive AI-generated" audio or visual media of a candidate for federal office, or in connection with federal election activity, when done to influence an election or solicit funds. Deceptive media is defined as AI- or machine-learning-generated content that a reasonable person would mistake for authentic or that misrepresents a person's actual words or actions. The bill exempts broadcasters, cable/satellite and streaming outlets, and periodicals that disclose authenticity concerns as part of bona fide news coverage, as well as content that is satire or parody.

The bill primarily affects federal candidates, political committees, media organizations, and others who create or distribute campaign-related content, particularly AI-generated deepfakes. Candidates depicted in prohibited deceptive media could sue for injunctions or damages, including attorney's fees, though plaintiffs would need to prove violations by "clear and convincing evidence." News organizations and satirists that meet the bill's disclosure or parody standards would not be liable.

The bill was introduced in September 2023 by Senator Klobuchar with bipartisan cosponsors and referred to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. On May 15, 2024, the committee reported it favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. It has not received a floor vote and did not become law in the 118th Congress; further action would require reintroduction in a future Congress.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.

Official summary

Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act

This bill prohibits the distribution of materially deceptive audio or visual media that is generated by artificial intelligence (AI) relating to federal candidates.

The bill generally prohibits individuals, political committees, and other entities from knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media of a federal candidate, or in carrying out a federal election activity, with the intent to (1) influence an election, or (2) solicit funds. This prohibition does not apply to certain entities, such as radio or television broadcasting stations that broadcast such media with disclosures as part of a bona fide newscast.

The bill also permits a federal candidate whose voice or likeness appears in such materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media to bring a civil action for injunctive relief or damages.

Timeline

  1. 15 May 2024

    Committee on Rules and Administration. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Common questions

What does S. 2770 do?
S. 2770, the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to bar knowingly distributing "materially deceptive AI-generated" audio or visual media of a candidate for federal office, or in connection with federal election activity, when done to influence an election or solicit funds. Deceptive media is defined as AI- or machine-learning-generated content that a reasonable person would mistake for authentic or that misrepresents a person's actual words or actions. The bill exempts broadcasters, cable/satellite and streaming outlets, and periodicals that disclose authenticity concerns as part of bona fide news coverage, as well as content that is satire or parody. The bill primarily affects federal candidates, political committees, media organizations, and others who create or distribute campaign-related content, particularly AI-generated deepfakes. Candidates depicted in prohibited deceptive media could sue for injunctions or damages, including attorney's fees, though plaintiffs would need to prove violations by "clear and convincing evidence." News organizations and satirists that meet the bill's disclosure or parody standards would not be liable. The bill was introduced in September 2023 by Senator Klobuchar with bipartisan cosponsors and referred to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. On May 15, 2024, the committee reported it favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. It has not received a floor vote and did not become law in the 118th Congress; further action would require reintroduction in a future Congress.
Has S. 2770 become law?
Not yet. As of 15 May 2024, S. 2770 is ordered reported.
Who sponsored S. 2770?
S. 2770 was sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D-MN] (Democrat-MN), with 4 cosponsors.
What's the latest action on S. 2770?
Committee on Rules and Administration. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (15 May 2024).

Related bills in Government Operations and Politics

Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.