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NY A6491: Prohibits the creation and dissemination of synthetic media within sixty days of an election with intent to unduly influence the outcome of an election

In Committee New York

Last verified Oct 18, 2026 · official bill text

A6491 · where it stands

1 of 5 steps complete
  1. Introduced In committee
  2. Passed first chamber
  3. Passed both chambers
  4. Enacted
  5. Effective
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Enacted
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View full title

Prohibits the creation and dissemination of synthetic media within sixty days of an election with intent to unduly influence the outcome of an election

In one paragraph

New York's A 6491 would add Election Law § 17-172, making it a class E felony to create, with "intent to injure a candidate or unduly influence the outcome of an election," synthetic media (realistic AI-manipulated or artificial images, video or audio of a scenario that did not occur) and disseminate or publish it within sixty days of an election. Exemptions cover commentary, parody, news, consent of all persons depicted, and initial dissemination by platforms. Would take effect on the 30th day after it becomes law. Introduced March 5, 2025 and referred to the Election Law Committee (again January 7, 2026); it has not passed either chamber.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None yet: the bill is pending. If enacted, people who create and publish election-influencing synthetic media within sixty days of an election could face a class E felony; platforms are generally exempt for initial dissemination.

Key provisions

  1. Election Law § 17-172: with intent to injure a candidate or unduly influence an election, creating a fabricated record and disseminating or publishing it within sixty days of an election is a class E felony
  2. "Synthetic media" means a still image, video or audio recording that is indistinguishable from reality, manipulated or entirely artificial (including deepfakes), and depicts a scenario that did not occur or is significantly altered
  3. Exempt: commentary, parody or artistic expression and news reporting (unless disseminated to misrepresent authenticity); media made with the consent of all persons depicted; self-protection from serious bodily injury or death
  4. Initial dissemination by a platform or service is exempt unless the media was created by an individual directly affiliated with it
  5. No civil remedy or other penalty is created
  6. Would take effect on the 30th day after it becomes law; referred to Election Law, with no further action

Latest legislative action

Jan 7, 2026. referred to election law

Sponsors

NameRole
D Primary

Related and companion bills

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Deepfakes

Affected industries

TechnologyMediaGovernment

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

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Same topic in other states

Indiana HB1133 Use of digitally altered media in elections Idaho H0664 ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATIONS – Freedom From AI-Rigged (FAIR) Elections Act: rel Texas SB751 Relating to the creation of a criminal offense for fabricating a deceptive video Rhode Island H5872 Relating to Elections -- Deceptive and Fraudulent Synthetic Media in Election Co California AB686 Elections: deceptive audio or visual media. Mississippi SB2577 Digitizations; create a criminal penalty for the wrongful dissemination of.