In one paragraph
New Jersey's A4163 would make a covered person liable for fraudulent misrepresentation of a candidate if they knowingly and intentionally disseminate a campaign advertisement containing a deepfake of that candidate, unless it carries a prescribed disclosure and embedded content provenance. A candidate could sue for punitive damages and daily civil penalties of up to $15,000, $50,000 or $250,000 by office. Introduced February 19, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Campaigns, PACs, parties and their agents that disseminate deepfake ads of candidates must use disclosure and provenance or face civil suits and daily penalties.
Key provisions
- Sec. 2a: Liability arises when a covered person knowingly and intentionally disseminates a campaign advertisement containing a deepfake of a candidate after the candidate forms a committee or files with the FEC.
- Sec. 2b-c: No liability if the ad carries a clear and conspicuous disclosure that it 'has been manipulated or generated to depict speech or conduct that did not occur', and the covered person embeds tamper-evident digital content provenance.
- Sec. 2d: Exempt are law enforcement, broadcasters and publishers carrying others' ads, interactive computer services, internet and telecommunications providers, technology developers, and satire or parody based on impersonation.
- Sec. 3a-b: A candidate may seek punitive damages, fees, injunctions and daily penalties up to $15,000 (municipal or county office), $50,000 (Legislature, Governor, Lieutenant Governor) or $250,000 (federal office); double for independent-expenditure-only PACs.
- Sec. 3d: Express written consent by the candidate is a defense.
- Sec. 4: Takes effect immediately.
Latest legislative action
Feb 19, 2026. Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
Sponsors (showing 5 of 67)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Benson, Daniel R. | Primary |
| Chiaravalloti, Nicholas | Primary |
| Cunningham, Sandra B. | Primary |
| Gopal, Vin D | Primary |
| Haider, Shama A. | Primary |
Roll call votes
3RDG FINAL PASSAGE Mar 24, 2025
78 yea0 nay2 otherPassed
Concur in Amendments: IN SA Mar 24, 2025
77 yea0 nay3 otherPassed
Amendment Mar 24, 2025
39 yea0 nay1 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error