The Montana Election Deepfake Disclosure Law (SB 25, 2025 Laws Chapter 541) prohibits candidates, committees, parties, and others acting in an election capacity from distributing a deepfake of a candidate or political party within 60 days before voting begins, unless the communication clearly discloses that the media has been substantially altered or generated by artificial intelligence. Format-specific disclosure rules apply to images, audio, video, and other media. The law took effect October 1, 2025, after being signed May 8, 2025.
How the Montana Election Deepfake Disclosure Law Is Enforced
Enforcement is layered. A falsely depicted candidate can seek a court injunction, and the Commissioner of Political Practices can investigate and fine violators up to $500 initially. Repeat offenders face criminal referral, with penalties up to two years in prison after three violations.
Current Legal Status
The law is facing a federal First Amendment challenge but was enacted and in force as of this writing. Political advertisers in Montana should build the AI disclosure into any synthetic candidate media by default.
Source: Montana Legislature: SB 25
Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the Montana Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection.
