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Proposal:Candidate Voice Fraud Prohibition Act

This proposal is archived and closed to further debate. It was introduced in the 118th Congress, which has concluded, and the bill was not enacted into law.
Geographic Scope
National

Description

Candidate Voice Fraud Prohibition Act

This bill prohibits the distribution of certain paid-for political communications that contain materially deceptive audio that is generated by artificial intelligence which impersonates a candidate's voice. It also establishes criminal penalties for related violations. 

The bill generally prohibits individuals, political committees, and other entities from distributing such a communication if the communication (1) contains materially deceptive audio that is generated by artificial intelligence which impersonates a candidate’s voice, (2) is distributed with actual malice, (3) is intended to injure the candidate’s reputation or to deceive a voter into voting against the candidate, and (4) is distributed within 60 or 90 days of an election (depending on the type of election). This prohibition does not apply to certain entities, such as radio or television broadcasting stations that broadcast the deceptive audio as part of a bona fide newscast.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new criminal offense related to the distribution of materially deceptive audio that is generated by artificial intelligence which impersonates a candidate's voice. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to two years in prison, or both.

The bill requires the Federal Election Commission to (1) promulgate regulations related to this bill, and (2) report to Congress on matters relating to compliance with and enforcement of this bill and recommendations to ensure compliance with this bill.

Bill Title

Candidate Voice Fraud Prohibition Act

Linked Goals

Steps

  • 2023-07-13: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  • 2023-07-13: Introduced in House
  • 2023-07-13: Introduced in House

Projected Outcome

A more informed proposal or public response aligned with the Promote General Welfare goal.