S. 1213 — Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act

This section amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) by adding a new section prohibiting persons, political committees, or other entities from knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media—defined as AI-produced (via machine learning or similar techniques) realistic images, audio, or video that a reasonable person would find misleading about a covered individual's (i.e., federal candidate's) actual appearance, speech, or conduct—in connection with federal election activities for the purpose of influencing an election or soliciting funds. The prohibition does not apply to (1) radio/TV broadcasters, cable/satellite operators, or streaming services that air such media in bona fide news programming with clear disclosures of authenticity questions; (2) regularly published newspapers, magazines, or similar periodicals that clearly state the media does not accurately represent the covered individual; or (3) satire or parody. It authorizes covered individuals to seek injunctive or other equitable relief (with precedence under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure), general or special damages, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs against violators, with plaintiffs bearing the burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence. (Thus, federal candidates gain a private civil right of action to combat AI deepfakes in elections, supplementing FECA's existing enforcement framework.) This section includes a severability clause preserving the remainder of the Act if any provision is invalidated.