Lawmakers from both parties reintroduced the revised NO FAKES Act, aimed at stopping unauthorized AI deepfakes that imitate a real person’s voice and likeness, with new exemptions for libraries and a system for challenging takedown demands as it heads toward t
By Wednesday, the revised NO FAKES Act was back on the move in Congress—this time with fresh details aimed at tightening rules around a growing threat: AI deepfake videos that can imitate a real person’s voice and likeness without permission.
The federal bill. reintroduced by lawmakers from both parties. is designed to give individuals legal authority to control whether their voice and image are used in AI-generated videos and photos. It also allows them to demand the takedown of content that uses their likeness or voice without their consent.
Supporters have framed the problem as one that doesn’t just create misleading content—it can destabilize lives. Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar, who co-introduced the bill to the House of Representatives last year, put it bluntly in a statement Wednesday. “From the biggest entertainers to everyday Americans. non-consensual voice and image clones can ruin careers. deceive families and friends. and traumatize victims. ” she said. Salazar added. “The American people need clear rules that empower individuals to control their own faces and voices while encouraging innovation and ensuring that the United States remains the world leader on artificial intelligence.”.
The bill’s Senate co-sponsors span party lines. including Republicans Thom Tillis and Marsha Blackburn and Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Chris Coons. It was first introduced last year with open support from a range of backers. including various Hollywood unions such as SAG-AFTRA. musicians like country singer Randy Travis. and companies building AI systems. including Amazon and OpenAI.
Under the NO FAKES (Nurture Originals. Foster Art. and Keep Entertainment Safe) Act. individuals would have the right by law to authorize the use of their voice and likeness in AI-generated videos and photos. The legislation would also set out a mechanism for individuals to request takedowns when their voice and likeness are used without consent.
With this reintroduction. lawmakers are betting that the revised language—featuring new specific exemptions for libraries and a system for challenging takedown demands—can help the bill gain momentum ahead of the November midterms. Last year. the bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. where it has yet to be scheduled for a vote.
That delay is part of the pressure now. The revised effort is meant to bring clarity and guardrails to a process that. until now. has largely played out online—faster to spread than it is to stop. With the new exemptions for libraries and a challenge system for takedowns. lawmakers are trying to ensure the law can move forward without leaving creators. institutions. or users stuck in a legal process that can’t be meaningfully contested.
NO FAKES Act AI deepfake unauthorized voice and likeness takedown demands libraries exemptions Senate Judiciary Committee Thom Tillis Marsha Blackburn Amy Klobuchar Chris Coons Maria Salazar SAG-AFTRA Randy Travis Amazon OpenAI