Missouri Lawmakers Consider Limits to AI Identity, Deepfakes
Missouri Lawmakers Consider Limits to AI Identity, Deepfakes
Publish Date: 2026-02-11 17:24:00
Source Domain: www.govtech.com
- Missouri lawmakers are introducing bills to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent its abuse in political campaigning and to protect minors from explicit deepfakes.
- Sen. Joe Nicola’s bill requires disclaimers when AI is used in political ads and bans sexually explicit deepfakes of minors. It received bipartisan support at a Senate hearing.
- The bill clarifies that AI cannot be considered a “sentient” being under state law, thus being held liable if harm results.
- There are no federal rules regulating AI use in election materials. Despite an executive order by former President Trump seeking to prevent state-level AI regulations, Missouri continues to push forward its measures.
- Proposed legislation aims to make it illegal to create explicit deepfakes of children below 18 and defines “intimate” AI-generated content to include nudity or pornography.
- Critics argue lawmakers should carefully consider the “over-legislation” of AI technology, ensuring small businesses are not stifled while still protecting public rights and freedom.
