In one paragraph
Tennessee's Transparency for Deepfakes in Political Advertising Act (Public Chapter 625) requires political ads that contain a deepfake of a candidate to say so. Audio impersonating a candidate must state at the start and end that it contains fake content; video must show a large notice for its full length. For non-incumbents, the rule covers ads distributed within 120 days before voting begins. Platforms, internet providers and paid broadcasters are not liable unless they created the deepfake. Depicted candidates can seek damages and equitable relief, and violations are a Class C misdemeanor. Effective July 1, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Campaigns, PACs and ad producers running Tennessee political ads with a deepfake of a candidate must add the required disclaimer from July 1, 2026. Platforms and paid broadcasters are not liable unless they created the deepfake.
Key provisions
- Political communications with a deepfake that impersonates a candidate's speech (audio) or shows a candidate doing or saying something they did not (video) must carry a disclaimer
- Audio: state at the beginning and end, 'This communication contains fake content impersonating speech that did not occur'
- Video: a notice in large letters for the full video that it contains fake content depicting actions (and speech) that did not occur
- For candidates who are not incumbents, applies only within 120 days before voting begins in their election
- Hosts, internet service providers, search engines and cloud providers are not liable for providing access, and paid broadcasters and streaming services are exempt, unless they created the deepfake
- Depicted candidates may seek damages and equitable relief under § 39-17-1904; violating the disclaimer requirement is a Class C misdemeanor
- Passed the House 91-0 (March 9) and the Senate 33-0 (March 12, 2026); signed March 26, 2026; Public Chapter 625; effective July 1, 2026
Latest legislative action
Mar 30, 2026. Pub. Ch. 625 (signed by the Governor March 26, 2026)
Sponsors (showing 5 of 6)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bell | Primary |
| Cochran | Primary |
| Harris | Primary |
| Hulsey | Primary |
| McCalmon | Primary |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 4)
Floor Vote: VOTE: Third Consideration 3/12/2026 Passed (1) Mar 12, 2026
33 yea0 nayPassed
Floor Vote: VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/9/2026 Passed (1) Mar 9, 2026
91 yea0 nay1 otherPassed
HOUSE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee 3/4/2026 Passed (3) Mar 4, 2026
22 yea0 nayPassed
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