New US Bill Targets AI Deepfakes and Protects Creators’ Voices

The US Senate is moving closer to passing a new law aimed at stopping AI deepfakes from using people’s voices and images without permission. The ‘No Fakes Act’ would give individuals control over how their voice and likeness are used in digital content.

This bill recently cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee without any opposition. It is now set for a vote on June 18. This version of the bill has advanced farther than any previous attempts.

Protecting Voices and Faces from AI Replicas

The bill would create an intellectual property right for a person’s voice and visual likeness. That means if someone’s face or voice is copied by AI without consent, they could take legal action. Platforms that host these fake replicas knowingly could face fines up to $750,000 per work.

Importantly, the bill covers deepfakes on streaming music platforms, a growing concern for artists and creators. It also includes clear exceptions for parody, news, and documentaries. This balance aims to protect free speech while stopping harmful fake content.

Broad Support and Some Concerns

Fifteen senators, split between seven Democrats and eight Republicans, co-sponsor the bill. Senator Chris Coons, one of the sponsors, said, “Every American should have the right to decide how their voice and likeness will be used.” He added, “I hope the full Senate passes it soon so we can give Americans the security they deserve.”

The bill has strong backing from major players in the music and tech industries. Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and all three major record labels support the legislation. YouTube has even developed technology that detects when an artist’s likeness is used without permission.

Lyor Cohen and Harvey Mason Jr., YouTube’s Global Heads of Music, said, “The infrastructure has to be universal. YouTube has built likeness detection technology that automatically identifies when an artist’s likeness is being used without permission.”

Support also comes from SAG-AFTRA, the performers’ union, which has gathered more than 16,000 signatures in an open letter backing the bill. This shows strong artist demand for better safeguards.

But not everyone agrees. Advocacy groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Public Knowledge have raised concerns. They warn that the bill might need revisions to avoid unintended harm to free speech and innovation.

What’s Next for the ‘No Fakes Act’

The bill’s vote on June 18 in the Senate Judiciary Committee will be a key moment. If it passes, it moves closer to becoming law that protects people’s digital identities from AI misuse. This could set a new standard for how AI-generated content is regulated in the US.

As AI tools become more powerful, the risks of deepfakes and digital replicas grow. This law aims to give creators and individuals a way to fight back and keep control over their image and voice.

James Grimmelmann, a legal expert, summed it up simply: “Artists have to win or nothing works.” This bill could be a major step toward that win.