AZ Political Deepfake Law
Arizona Election Communications Deepfakes Prohibition - SB 1359
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.
Jurisdiction
Arizona
Enacted
May 29, 2024
Effective
May 29, 2024
Enforcement
Arizona Secretary of State; Arizona Attorney General
Signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on May 29, 2024. Effective date: 90 days before elections.
Arizona LegislatureWhy It Matters
Establishes election-period restrictions on political deepfakes. Per-day penalties can escalate for ongoing violations. Relevant for platforms hosting political content.
Recent Developments
Signed May 29, 2024. Applies to elections 90 days out. Arizona joins wave of states regulating political deepfakes ahead of 2024 election.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Anyone creating synthetic media of political candidates in Arizona
- Political campaigns
- Content creators during election periods
Obligations fall on:
Applicability thresholds:
Safety Provisions
- Prohibits deepfakes of candidates within 90 days of election
- Requires clear and conspicuous AI disclosure
- Exempts satire, parody, and interactive computer services
- Civil penalties for each day of distribution
Exemptions
Satire and Parody Exemption
Media that constitutes satire or parody is exempt from disclosure requirement
- • Clearly satirical or parodical content
Interactive Computer Service Exemption
Interactive computer services as defined by federal law (Section 230) are exempt
- • Qualifies as interactive computer service under 47 USC § 230
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
Unspecified
View on map
Arizona
Focus Areas
General regulation
Cite This
APA
Arizona. (2024). Arizona Election Communications Deepfakes Prohibition - SB 1359.
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.
AL Deepfake Election Law
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.
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.
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 February 17, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.