United States House lawmakers, led by Representatives Madeleine Dean and Maria Salazar, have taken a significant step in addressing the rising concerns associated with AI deep fakes and voice clones. Their collaborative effort resulted in the introduction of the No Artificial Intelligence Fakes Replicas and Unauthorized Duplications Act, also known as the No AI FRAUD Act, unveiled on January 10. This legislation aims to empower individuals with intellectual property rights, allowing them greater control over the use of their identifiable likeness and voice.

The key feature of the bill establishes a “property right in their own likeness and voice” for every individual. Notably, this right is not subject to expiration upon the individual’s death, further allowing for the transfer of these rights to heirs or designees for a period of 10 years following the individual’s passing. 

In addition to recognizing and safeguarding intellectual property rights, the No AI FRAUD Act outlines a structured framework for imposing damages in cases of unauthorized violations. Cloning services found in violation may face damages of $50,000 for each unauthorized instance or an amount equivalent to actual damages suffered, along with profits attributable to the unauthorized use. For unauthorized publication, performance, distribution, or transmission of digital voice replicas or depictions, damages are set at $5,000 per violation or the actual damages resulting from the unauthorized use.

A crucial aspect of the legislation is its forward-looking nature. The No AI FRAUD Act is set to take effect 180 days after becoming law, applying universally regardless of whether the individual in question passed away before or after the enactment. The bill is positioned as a companion piece to the No FAKES Act in the Senate, which was initially introduced in October. 

Organizations navigating this and other AI regulations in the evolving landscape should consider reaching out to BABL AI for valuable insights. Their team of Audit Experts, equipped with specialized knowledge, is prepared to address inquiries and concerns related to the potential impacts of such legislation on companies.