Federal · House Bill · 119th Congress, 2nd Session
HR7786
H.R. 7786 — AI Fraud Accountability Act

Status ● Introduced Effective N/A Passage Likelihood M

WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 2 REQUIREMENT TYPES

How Is This Bill Enforced

Enforcement Authority
Criminal enforcement by the Department of Justice under 47 U.S.C. § 223 as amended (Section 2). Civil enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission under FTC Act authority — violations of Section 3 are treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under Section 18(a)(1)(B) of the FTC Act. No private right of action. Law enforcement and intelligence agency activities are exempt.
Private Right of Action
No private right of action. Enforcement is exclusive to the designated authority.
Penalties
Criminal penalties: fine under Title 18, imprisonment up to 3 years, or both. Mandatory criminal forfeiture of gross proceeds and property used to commit or facilitate the offense. FTC civil enforcement under Section 3 carries standard FTC Act penalties and remedies. No private monetary remedies.

What This Bill Requires

Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.

Statutory Text
Analysis & Obligations
Section 1
Short Title

This Act may be cited as the ''AI Fraud Accountability Act''.

Establishes the short title of the Act as the AI Fraud Accountability Act. No compliance obligations arise from this section.

47 U.S.C. § 223(i)
Criminal Prohibition on Use of Digital Impersonations to Commit Fraud
DeployerDeveloperPublisher

(i)(1)(A) The term 'digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A)' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individualidentifiable individualThe term 'identifiable individual' means an individual— (i) who appears in whole or in part, or is heard, in a digital impersonation; and (ii) whose face, likeness, voice, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed or heard in connection with such digital impersonation.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(B) created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.

(i)(1)(B) The term 'identifiable individualidentifiable individualThe term 'identifiable individual' means an individual— (i) who appears in whole or in part, or is heard, in a digital impersonation; and (ii) whose face, likeness, voice, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed or heard in connection with such digital impersonation.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(B)' means an individual— (i) who appears in whole or in part, or is heard, in a digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A); and (ii) whose face, likeness, voice, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed or heard in connection with such digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A).

(i)(2)(A)–(B) 1 IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for a person, in interstate or foreign communications, to falsely pose as an identifiable individualidentifiable individualThe term 'identifiable individual' means an individual— (i) who appears in whole or in part, or is heard, in a digital impersonation; and (ii) whose face, likeness, voice, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed or heard in connection with such digital impersonation.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(B) or imaginary individual, in a manner intended to be taken as genuine, in a digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A), with intent to defraud a person of any money, paper, document, or thing of value. (B) EXCEPTIONS.—Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of— (i) a law enforcement agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State; or (ii) an intelligence agency of the United States;

(i)(3) 1 Any person who violates paragraph (2) shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both.

(i)(4) 2 Any person who intentionally threatens to commit the offense under paragraph (2) for the purpose of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or to create mental distress shall be punished as provided in paragraph (3).

(i)(5) IN GENERAL.—The court, in imposing a sentence on any person convicted of a violation of paragraph (2), shall order, in addition to any other sentence imposed and irrespective of any provision of State law, that the person forfeit to the United States— (i) the person's interest in property, real or personal, constituting or derived from any gross proceeds of the violation, or any property traceable to such property, obtained or retained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation; and (ii) any personal property of the person used, or intended to be used, in any manner or part, to commit or to facilitate the commission of the violation. (B) PROCEDURES.—Section 413 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 853), with the exception of subsections (a) and (d), shall apply to the criminal forfeiture of property under subparagraph (A).

(i)(6) There is extraterritorial Federal jurisdiction over an offense under paragraph (2).

Section 2 amends the Communications Act of 1934 by inserting a new subsection (i) that creates a federal criminal offense for using digital impersonations to commit fraud. The offense requires that a person, in interstate or foreign communications, falsely pose as an identifiable or imaginary individual, in a manner intended to be taken as genuine, in a digital impersonation, with intent to defraud a person of money, documents, or things of value. The definition of digital impersonation encompasses both AI-generated depictions of real identifiable individuals and AI-generated fictional personas that are indistinguishable from real people.

The statute provides exceptions for lawfully authorized law enforcement and intelligence activities. Criminal penalties include fines under Title 18, up to 3 years imprisonment, or both. The statute also criminalizes intentional threats to commit the offense for purposes of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or to create mental distress. Mandatory criminal forfeiture applies, and extraterritorial federal jurisdiction is established.

Compliance actions 2 items
1
No person may, in interstate or foreign communications, falsely pose as an identifiable or imaginary individual in an AI-generated digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A), in a manner intended to be taken as genuine, with intent to defraud a person of money, documents, or things of value. Exceptions apply for lawfully authorized law enforcement and intelligence activities.
S-02
2
No person may intentionally threaten to commit AI-generated digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A) fraud for the purpose of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or to create mental distress.
S-02
Section 2(b)
Extension of Existing Defenses to New Offense

Section 223(e)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 223(e)(1)) is amended by striking ''or (h)'' and inserting ''(h), or (i)''.

This technical amendment extends the existing good-faith defense in Section 223(e)(1) of the Communications Act to cover the new digital impersonation fraud offense in subsection (i). This creates no new compliance obligation.

Section 3
Protection Against Digital Impersonation Fraud — FTC Enforcement
DeployerDeveloperPublisher

(a)(1)–(2) 3 IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for a person, in interstate or foreign commerce, to falsely pose as an identifiable or imaginary individual in a manner intended to be taken as genuine, in a digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A), with intent to defraud a person of any money, paper, document, or thing of value. (2) EXCEPTION.—The prohibition described in paragraph (1) shall not apply to a lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of— (A) a law enforcement agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State; or (B) an intelligence agency of the United States.

(b)(1)–(2) UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES.—A violation of subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)). (2) POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1).— (A) IN GENERAL.—The CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) shall enforce this section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this section. (B) PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES.—Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.). (C) AUTHORITY PRESERVED.—Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) under any other provision of law.

(c) COMMISSIONCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1).—The term ''CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1)'' means the Federal Trade CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1). (2) DIGITAL IMPERSONATIONdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A); IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUALidentifiable individualThe term 'identifiable individual' means an individual— (i) who appears in whole or in part, or is heard, in a digital impersonation; and (ii) whose face, likeness, voice, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed or heard in connection with such digital impersonation.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(B).—The terms ''digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A)'' and ''identifiable individualidentifiable individualThe term 'identifiable individual' means an individual— (i) who appears in whole or in part, or is heard, in a digital impersonation; and (ii) whose face, likeness, voice, or other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature) is displayed or heard in connection with such digital impersonation.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(B)'' have the meaning given such terms in section 223(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 223(i)), as added by section 2 of this Act.

Section 3 creates a parallel civil prohibition on the same digital impersonation fraud conduct addressed by the criminal provision in Section 2, but framed for FTC enforcement rather than criminal prosecution. The prohibition applies in interstate or foreign commerce (rather than communications) and carries the same elements: falsely posing as an identifiable or imaginary individual, in a manner intended to be taken as genuine, in a digital impersonation, with intent to defraud. The same law enforcement and intelligence exceptions apply.

Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under Section 18(a)(1)(B) of the FTC Act, giving the FTC full enforcement authority. A savings clause preserves the FTC's existing authority under other laws.

Compliance actions 1 item
3
No person may, in interstate or foreign commerce, falsely pose as an identifiable or imaginary individual in an AI-generated digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A), in a manner intended to be taken as genuine, with intent to defraud a person of money, documents, or things of value. The FTC enforces this as an unfair or deceptive act or practice. Exceptions apply for lawfully authorized law enforcement and intelligence activities.
CP-01.5
Section 4
Working Group on Digital Impersonation Fraud
Government

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (1) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—The term ''appropriate committees of Congress'' means— (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives. (2) DIGITAL FORENSICSdigital forensicsThe term 'digital forensics' means scientific or technical practices used to recognize, collect, analyze, or interpret digital evidence for the purposes of investigating crimes or other incidents, including the use of digital impersonation to commit fraud.Section 4(a)(2).—The term ''digital forensicsdigital forensicsThe term 'digital forensics' means scientific or technical practices used to recognize, collect, analyze, or interpret digital evidence for the purposes of investigating crimes or other incidents, including the use of digital impersonation to commit fraud.Section 4(a)(2)'' means scientific or technical practices used to recognize, collect, analyze, or interpret digital evidence for the purposes of investigating crimes or other incidents, including the use of digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A) to commit fraud. (3) DIGITAL IMPERSONATIONdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A).—The term ''digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A)'' has the meaning given that term in section 223(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 223(i)), as added by section 2 of this Act. (4) DIRECTORDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4).—The term ''DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4)'' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

(b) 4 IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4), shall convene a working group (referred to in this section as the ''Working Group'') to engage in technical discussions and research for the development of best practices and recommendations for the recognition, detection, prevention, and tracing of digital impersonationsdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A) used in violation of section 223(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 223(i)), as amended by section 2 of this Act, and section 3(a) of this Act. (2) COMPOSITION.—The Working Group shall consist of— (A) representatives from— (i) the Department of Justice; (ii) the Federal Trade CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1); (iii) Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies; and (iv) private sector industries, including— (I) financial services; (II) health care; (III) retail and e-commerce; (IV) telecommunications; and (V) digital platforms, including social media platforms; and (B) scientists and engineers with expertise in— (i) digital forensicsdigital forensicsThe term 'digital forensics' means scientific or technical practices used to recognize, collect, analyze, or interpret digital evidence for the purposes of investigating crimes or other incidents, including the use of digital impersonation to commit fraud.Section 4(a)(2); and (ii) artificial intelligence, including the generation or detection of digital impersonationsdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A).

(c) 4 PUBLIC WORKSHOP.—The DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) shall— (1) convene not less than 1 public workshop to solicit input from stakeholders on the best practices and recommendations developed under subsection (b)(1); and (2) incorporate such input into the best practices and recommendations as the DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) considers appropriate.

(d) 4 PUBLICATION OF BEST PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the National Institute of Standards and Technology a report that contains the best practices and recommendations developed pursuant to subsection (b)(1) and modified under subsection (c)(2).

(e) 4 ANNUAL REVIEW AND UPDATES.—Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) shall— (1) review the best practices and recommendations developed under this section; and (2) update the best practices and recommendations published under subsection (d) as the DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) considers appropriate pursuant to the most recent review conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(f) 5 REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that summarizes— (1) the meetings and collaboration of the Working Group during the year preceding the submission of the report; and (2) the work planned by the Working Group for the year following the submission of the report.

(g) SUNSET.—The requirements of this section shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Section 4 directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the NIST Director, to convene a multi-stakeholder working group within 30 days of enactment. The working group is tasked with developing best practices and recommendations for recognizing, detecting, preventing, and tracing digital impersonations used for fraud. The group must include representatives from DOJ, the FTC, federal and state law enforcement, and private-sector industries (financial services, health care, retail, telecommunications, and digital platforms), as well as scientists and engineers with expertise in digital forensics and AI.

NIST must convene at least one public workshop, publish the resulting best practices and recommendations within one year of enactment, and review and update them annually beginning two years after enactment. The Director must also submit annual reports to Congress summarizing the working group's activities. The section sunsets 10 years after enactment.

Compliance actions 2 items
4
The NIST DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) must convene a working group within 30 days of enactment to develop best practices for recognizing, detecting, preventing, and tracing digital impersonationsdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A) used for fraud; convene at least one public workshop; publish the best practices on a public NIST website within one year; and review and update them annually beginning two years after enactment.
5
The NIST DirectorDirectorThe term 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.Section 4(a)(4) must submit annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees summarizing the working group's meetings, collaboration, and planned activities.
Section 5
Cooperation with Foreign Law Enforcement Agencies
Government

(a) 6 LIST OF COUNTRIES WITH HIGHEST OCCURRENCE OF VIOLATIONS.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Federal Trade CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) (in this section referred to as the ''CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1)''), in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, shall identify a list of the top 10 foreign countries where the highest occurrence of violations of section 2 or 3 originate and harm individuals located in the United States or a territory thereof.

(b)(1)–(2) 6 IN GENERAL.—Using the list of foreign countries identified under subsection (a), the CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1), in coordination with the Secretary of State, may enter into agreements with such foreign countries to ensure the cooperation of any foreign law enforcement agency in the CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1)'s enforcement of this Act. (2) REQUIREMENTS.—Any agreement entered into by the CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) under paragraph (1) shall be subject to the requirements described in section 6(j)(4) of the Federal Trade CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) Act (15 U.S.C. 46(j)(4)).

(b)(3) 7 REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1) shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this subsection during the reporting period, including— (A) any new agreements with foreign countries (as described in paragraph (1)) entered into during such period; (B) any negotiations regarding new agreements or modifications to agreements with foreign countries during such period; (C) a description of the CommissionCommissionThe term 'Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission.Section 3(c)(1)'s coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies to enforce alleged violations of section 3; and (D) any challenges with cooperation of foreign law enforcement agencies (including with respect to foreign countries without an agreement under paragraph (1)) in the enforcement of section 3.

(c)(1) 8 IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and not less frequently than every 5 years thereafter, the Attorney General shall review and, as necessary and consistent with authorities under applicable law, modify international agreements with foreign law enforcement agencies in foreign countries identified under subsection (a) to encourage assistance with the enforcement of violations of section 223(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as added by section 2 of this Act, that originate outside the United States.

(c)(2) 9 REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (A) an analysis of the review conducted under paragraph (1); (B) a description of any modifications to international agreements described in paragraph (1) pursued by the Attorney General; and (C) recommendations to strengthen the enforcement of violations of section 223(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as added by section 2 of this Act, that— (i) originate outside the United States; and (ii) harm United States persons located in the United States.

Section 5 addresses international enforcement cooperation. Within 90 days of enactment, the FTC must identify the top 10 foreign countries where digital impersonation fraud violations originating abroad most frequently harm U.S. individuals. The FTC may then enter into international agreements with those countries to facilitate enforcement cooperation, subject to existing FTC Act requirements for international agreements.

The Attorney General must separately review and, as necessary, modify international law enforcement agreements with the identified countries to encourage assistance with criminal enforcement of the new digital impersonation fraud offense. Both the FTC and the Attorney General must submit periodic reports to Congress on their international cooperation efforts.

Compliance actions 4 items
6
The FTC must, within 90 days of enactment and in consultation with the Attorney General and Secretary of State, identify the top 10 foreign countries where digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A) fraud violations most frequently originate and harm U.S. individuals, and may enter into international enforcement cooperation agreements with those countries.
7
The FTC must submit annual reports to Congress on its international cooperation activities, including new agreements, ongoing negotiations, coordination with foreign law enforcement, and challenges encountered.
8
The Attorney General must, within one year and at least every five years thereafter, review and as necessary modify international law enforcement agreements with the identified countries to encourage assistance with enforcement of criminal digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A) fraud violations originating outside the United States.
9
The Attorney General must submit reports to Congress within one year and every five years thereafter analyzing the international agreement review, describing modifications pursued, and recommending measures to strengthen enforcement of digital impersonationdigital impersonationThe term 'digital impersonation' means any visual or audio depiction of— (i) an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual or audio depiction of the individual; or (ii) an imaginary individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual or audio depiction of an imaginary individual, that, when viewed or listened to as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from a visual or audio depiction of a real individual.47 U.S.C. § 223(i)(1)(A) fraud originating outside the United States.
Section 6
Savings Clause

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict parody, satire, journalism, or any other rights, privileges, or immunities protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Section 6 is a savings clause preserving First Amendment protections. It provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to restrict parody, satire, journalism, or any other rights, privileges, or immunities protected by the First Amendment. This creates no new compliance obligation.

Passage Likelihood

Medium
Status Introduced
Chamber No passage
Committee No action
Majority party (No data)
Bipartisan Yes
Prior session None

Legislative History

2026-03-04 Introduced in House
2026-03-04 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Science, Space, and Technology, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Entry Last Reviewed

2026-05-20
AI generated