The Alabama Election Deepfake Law (HB 172) makes it a crime to distribute materially deceptive AI-generated media that falsely shows a candidate saying or doing something they did not. The prohibition applies within 90 days of an election, when the distributor intends to harm the candidate or mislead voters. It has been in effect since October 1, 2024.
What the Alabama Election Deepfake Law Prohibits
The statute targets deepfakes, meaning AI-generated or AI-altered depictions of candidates that viewers would take as authentic. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and repeat offenses rise to felony charges. The combination of a criminal penalty and a narrow pre-election window puts the focus squarely on deceptive campaign-season content.
The Disclaimer Safe Harbor
Content that carries a clear disclaimer stating the media has been manipulated or generated by AI falls within a safe harbor. That makes labeling the simplest compliance path for anyone producing political content in Alabama. Agencies, consultants, and campaign teams should label AI-altered campaign media accordingly before it circulates, rather than relying on context or intent to keep them on the right side of the law.
Source: Alabama Legislature: HB 172
Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the Alabama Attorney General Consumer Interest Division.
