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With AI on the rise, Texas House passes bill requiring more transparency in political ads
On Wednesday in Austin, the Texas House approved House Bill 366, which seeks to criminalize political ads that use AI or deepfakes without disclosing the alterations.
Former House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican from Beaumont, authored the bill to address concerns about AI-generated content misleading voters and impacting elections.
The bill requires political ads spending over $100 to disclose if media was substantially altered and excludes broadcasters, companies, and internet providers from liability.
Violations would be Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $4,000 fine, with Phelan calling it “the cost of doing business” to protect election integrity.
The bill now moves to the Texas Senate, where its future is uncertain amid criticism of vague language and concerns it might limit political speech or face First Amendment challenges.