H.R. 5272 — Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act

This section amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any person, political committee, or other entity from knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media (i.e., AI-produced content that appears authentic and would give a reasonable person a fundamentally different understanding of a federal candidate's appearance, speech, or conduct) depicting a covered individual (i.e., candidate for federal office), or in carrying out a federal election activity, with intent to influence an election or solicit funds. The prohibition does not apply to (1) radio or television stations, cable/satellite operators, or streaming services broadcasting such media in bona fide news programming with clear disclosures of authenticity questions; (2) regularly published newspapers, magazines, or similar periodicals publishing such media with clear statements that it does not accurately represent the candidate; or (3) satire or parody. A covered individual may seek injunctive or equitable relief, general or special damages, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs against violators, with precedence on court dockets and a clear and convincing evidence burden on the plaintiff. Violations constitute defamation per se. The section includes a severability clause.