In one paragraph
The federal H.R. 5272 (Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act) would add Section 325 to the Federal Election Campaign Act, barring any person, committee or entity from knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media of a federal candidate, or in carrying out federal election activity, with intent to influence an election or solicit funds. Candidates could sue. Referred to the House Administration Committee September 10, 2025; 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. Campaigns, committees, advertisers and platforms distributing AI-generated candidate media with intent to influence a federal election would risk candidate lawsuits; news outlets and satire are exempt.
Key provisions
- Adds FECA Sec. 325: a person, political committee or other entity may not knowingly distribute materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media of a candidate for Federal office, or in carrying out a Federal election activity, with intent to influence an election or solicit funds
- Covers AI-made or AI-altered images, audio or video that appear authentic and that would give a reasonable person a fundamentally different understanding than the original, or make them believe a person said or did something they did not
- Exempts broadcasters and streaming services in bona fide news coverage that clearly acknowledge doubts about authenticity, periodicals that clearly state the media is inaccurate, and satire or parody
- A candidate depicted may seek injunctive relief (with precedence on the docket) and sue for general or special damages, and the court may award a prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees and costs
- The plaintiff must prove a violation by clear and convincing evidence
- A violation would constitute defamation per se in a defamation action
- Includes a severability clause; introduced and referred to the House Administration Committee September 10, 2025
Latest legislative action
Sep 10, 2025. Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
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