Congress Reintroduces NO FAKES Act to Combat Deepfake Misuse; Music Industry and Tech Giants Back Initiative
April 9, 2025
The NO FAKES Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at regulating unauthorized deepfakes, has been reintroduced in Congress, garnering support from the music industry and major tech companies.
This legislation seeks to empower individuals to alert platforms about harmful AI-generated likenesses, facilitating informed decisions by those platforms.
By protecting creators' rights, the bill aims to safeguard their voices and likenesses from unauthorized digital replicas, reflecting growing concerns about AI's impact on creative industries.
YouTube has updated its privacy policies to allow users to request the removal of content that mimics their likeness, enhancing safeguards against AI misuse.
As part of these efforts, YouTube announced an expansion of its pilot program for detecting AI-generated content featuring creators' likenesses, with participation from prominent figures like MrBeast and Marques Brownlee.
YouTube's VP of Public Policy, Leslie Miller, emphasized the platform's commitment to responsible AI use and collaboration with creators to ensure effective implementation of these new policies.
The NO FAKES Act includes First Amendment protections, allowing exemptions for news reporting, parody, and criticism, which are crucial for balancing free speech and individual rights.
The urgency for such legislation has been underscored by the prevalence of deepfakes, including a viral video featuring celebrities addressing antisemitic comments made by Kanye West.
Industry leaders, including those from the RIAA and SAG-AFTRA, have stressed the necessity of protecting personal identities as AI technology continues to evolve.
The bill follows the successful passage of the ELVIS Act in Tennessee, which has inspired similar initiatives in California and Illinois, showcasing a growing legislative response to AI challenges.
YouTube is actively collaborating with industry partners to create a consensus on the legislation, addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated content.
Supporters of the NO FAKES Act believe it effectively balances the protection of individual rights with the promotion of free speech, while minimizing potential litigation.
Summary based on 15 sources
Get a daily email with more Tech stories
Sources

The Verge • Apr 9, 2025
YouTube is supporting the ‘No Fakes Act’ targeting unauthorized AI replicas
Billboard • Apr 9, 2025
NO FAKES Act Returns to Congress With Support From YouTube, OpenAI for AI Deepfake Bill
YouTube Official Blog • Apr 9, 2025
YouTube supports the NO FAKES Act: Protecting creators and viewers in the age of AI