AL Deepfake Election Law
Alabama AI-Generated Deceptive Media in Elections Act (HB 172)
Makes it illegal to distribute AI-generated deceptive media if distributor knows it falsely represents a person and intends to influence an election. Exceptions for media with disclaimers and news organizations. Class A misdemeanor for first offense, Class D felony for repeat offenders.
Jurisdiction
Alabama
Enacted
May 16, 2024
Effective
Oct 1, 2024
Enforcement
Alabama Attorney General
Signed May 16, 2024. Effective October 1, 2024.
Alabama LegislatureWhy It Matters
Part of broader trend of state deepfake election laws. Private right of action gives candidates/voters direct enforcement. Relevant to AI platforms hosting political content.
Recent Developments
Effective October 1, 2024. AG Marshall committed that parody would not be prohibited.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Anyone distributing AI-generated media in Alabama elections
- Political campaigns
- Social media users sharing election content
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Prohibition on distributing AI deceptive media to influence elections
- Knowledge and intent requirements (must know it's false and intend to influence)
- Exception for media with manipulation disclaimers
- Exception for news organizations
- Civil injunctive relief available
Exemptions
Disclaimer Exception
Media that includes disclaimer informing viewers content has been manipulated
- • Clear disclosure of manipulation
News Organization Exception
Certain media outlets like news organizations
- • Qualifies as news organization
Parody Protection
Parody protected because lacks intent to deceive voters
- • Clearly parody
- • No intent to deceive
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
criminal (up to 1yr)
Private Right of Action
Individuals can sue directly without waiting for regulatory action.
View on map
Alabama
Focus Areas
General regulation
Cite This
APA
Alabama. (2024). Alabama AI-Generated Deceptive Media in Elections Act (HB 172).
Related Regulations
TX AI Catfishing Law
Establishes civil liability for online impersonation using AI. Person liable if they knowingly and with intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten use AI to impersonate another's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness. Civil remedies include injunctive relief, actual damages, exemplary damages ($500+ minimum), costs, and attorney's fees. Satire and parody exempted.
FL AI Political Ad Law
Requires political advertisements, electioneering communications, or miscellaneous advertisements using AI to include specified disclaimer. Criminal and civil penalties for violations.
AZ Political Deepfake Law
Prohibits creating or distributing deceptive and fraudulent deepfakes of political candidates or parties within 90 days before an election, unless content includes clear AI disclosure. Exempts satire/parody and interactive computer services. Civil penalties for violations.
SD Deepfakes Act
Prohibits disseminating deepfakes about candidates within 90 days of election with intent to cause injury. Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 1 year imprisonment and $2,000 fine. Affirmative defense for content with AI manipulation disclosure. Civil remedies available to AG, candidates, and depicted individuals.
NH Deepfakes Act
Criminalizes fraudulent use of deepfakes as a Class B felony (1-7 years imprisonment). First state law with explicit private right of action for deepfake victims. Enhanced penalties when deepfakes result in wrongful arrest. Prohibits lobbyists who violate the law from registering.
HI Deepfakes Act
Prohibits distribution of materially deceptive media (deepfakes) in elections from February 1 through general election without disclaimer. Criminalizes violations with escalating penalties from petty misdemeanor to Class C felony if intent to cause violence. Private right of action for candidates, depicted individuals, and voter advocacy organizations.
Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.