Musicbusinessworldwide.com
The proposed NO FAKES Act has passed a significant hurdle in Washington after receiving unanimous approval from the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, moving the legislation one step closer to becoming federal law.
The bipartisan bill aims to establish nationwide protections against unauthorized AI-generated replicas of a person’s voice or likeness, addressing growing concerns over the rise of deepfake technology across entertainment, media and online platforms.
If enacted, the legislation would grant individuals the right to control how their voice and image are used in AI-generated content. The bill would apply broadly to all Americans rather than focusing solely on celebrities or public figures, while also including exemptions for uses tied to news reporting, parody, satire and other First Amendment-protected expression.
One of the proposal’s most notable provisions targets online platforms that fail to address unauthorized AI replicas. Under the framework, companies that create or distribute infringing content could face financial penalties, while digital services that do not comply with the law’s notice-and-takedown requirements could be liable for fines of up to $750,000 per violation.
The legislation has received strong backing from the music industry, with support from major record companies, technology firms, streaming platforms and artificial intelligence developers. Industry advocates argue that federal protections are becoming increasingly necessary as AI tools make it easier to generate convincing imitations of artists, performers and other public figures.
The latest version of the NO FAKES Act marks the third attempt to advance the legislation through Congress. Previous versions introduced in 2024 and 2025 failed to complete the legislative process.
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, it would still need to pass the House of Representatives and receive presidential approval before becoming law.
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