New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to unveil a proposal Tuesday that would ban the use of AI‑generated content in political advertising at least 90 days before any federal, state, or local election. The announcement will be part of her “state of the state” address and aims to curb the growing use of artificial intelligence to manipulate voters and distort campaign messages.
Hochul’s plan reflects rising concern among lawmakers that advances in AI have made it easier for deepfake images, videos, and audio clips to be created and spread during election cycles. Today’s technology can alter a candidate’s words, fabricate scenes that never occurred, or twist a politician’s image in ways that are difficult for voters to detect. Hochul says her proposal will set strong standards for protecting voters from deceptive content.
Under the proposal, candidates, campaigns, and their supporters could file lawsuits if they see political ads that violate the new rules. The legislation would require explicit disclosure and restrict the use of AI in political communications approaching an election, with the goal of reducing misinformation at critical moments when voters are making decisions.
Current New York law requires disclosure when AI is used in political advertisements, but there is no restriction on when or how that technology can be used. Hochul’s plan would go a step further by prohibiting AI‑generated political messaging during the crucial period before ballots are cast.
Political observers say AI‑generated content has increased rapidly in recent years, with more sophisticated video and audio deepfakes appearing in campaign ads, social media posts, and digital outreach. One example that raised concerns involved a candidate claiming that an AI‑generated audio clip of him disparaging a colleague was circulated during the previous election cycle.
New York has already taken other steps to address emerging AI risks. In recent months, Hochul signed legislation that imposes safety requirements on major AI companies and mandates disclosure if a platform believes imminent harm may result from its technology. She also approved rules requiring disclosure when AI synthetic performers are used in film, television, or commercial productions created in the state.
At the federal level, the Trump administration has issued an executive order limiting states’ ability to regulate artificial intelligence technology, arguing that state regulations could hinder innovation. The order was issued after Congress failed to pass a comprehensive national AI bill. Trump has also indicated he may take action against states that implement conflicting rules.
The Federal Election Commission has begun a process to consider regulations on AI deepfakes in political ads, holding public hearings on the issue. However, the commission has not yet finalized any binding rules.
A recent report from a public policy research arm of Congress warned that state adversaries or politically motivated individuals could use AI to create falsified videos of political leaders or public figures. Such content, the report said, could erode public trust and influence voter behavior, making the technology a national security concern as well as a political one.
Hochul’s proposed ban on AI political ads is part of a broader effort by New York officials to respond to the challenges posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, particularly at a time when misinformation and digital manipulation are increasingly influencing public discourse and elections.
