New US House Bill Aims to Protect People from AI-Generated Deepfakes
A new bill introduced in the US House of Representatives is set to safeguard individuals from the unauthorized use of their image and voice in AI-generated deepfakes. The bipartisan bill, named the No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas And Unauthorized Duplications (No AI FRAUD) Act, was presented by Democrat Rep. Madeleine Dean and Republican Rep. Maria Salazar. The legislation aims to establish an intellectual property right that grants individuals the ability to seek monetary damages for the unauthorized utilization of their likeness or voice.
The right of publicity, which safeguards against the unauthorized use of a person’s identity, varies in recognition across different jurisdictions. Currently, 19 out of the 50 US states have laws that explicitly acknowledge the right of publicity, while an additional 11 have recognized it as a matter of common law.
The No AI FRAUD Act seeks to strike a balance between protecting individuals’ rights and safeguarding the principles of free speech and innovation under the First Amendment. By doing so, it aims to address the rising concern posed by the misuse of AI technology to create deceptive deepfakes that can undermine the work and reputations of artists and cultural contributors.
The proposed bill has received support from prominent figures in the music industry, including Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier. Glazier stated that the legislation is a crucial step towards maintaining a safe and ethical AI ecosystem and ensuring the integrity of generative AI. He emphasized that although AI can enhance creativity, it is essential to establish boundaries to protect individual rights and promote the creative arts.
Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music rightsholder, is also backing the No AI FRAUD Act, emphasizing the importance of preventing the unauthorized use of artists’ voices, images, and likenesses. In a statement, the company called on Congress to enact the federal right of publicity to combat nefarious deepfakes.
The Human Artistry Campaign, a coalition launched to safeguard human culture and artistry from being replaced by AI, expressed its support for the bill as a significant step in protecting people, culture, and art. The campaign urged policymakers to follow suit and adopt measures that shield individuals from the manipulation of their voices, images, and likenesses.
The proposed legislation represents a vital effort to address the growing concerns surrounding AI-generated deepfakes. By establishing an intellectual property right, the bill aims to ensure that individuals have control over their own identities and can protect themselves from unauthorized exploitation. As debates on the ethics and boundaries of AI continue, this legislation marks a significant step in safeguarding individual rights and preserving the integrity of art and culture in the digital age.
