Bipartisan legislation would require technology companies to take steps to prevent and report AI-enabled impersonation fraud.

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced the AI Fraud Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation to address impersonation scams using AI-generated voices, images, and video.

The bill seeks to establish safeguards to prevent criminals from using AI tools to impersonate individuals and defraud victims. 

Under the proposal, companies developing or deploying AI systems capable of generating realistic voices, images, or video would be required to establish processes to detect and address fraudulent use of those systems. The bill would also direct companies to cooperate with law enforcement and provide mechanisms for victims to report suspected impersonation scams.

Lawmakers said the legislation responds to an increase in fraud schemes involving AI-generated voice recordings that mimic family members, public officials, or business executives.

“With more Americans using AI every day, we need to do all we can to cut down on AI-related fraud,” said Senator Blunt Rochester in a released statement. “Our AI Fraud Accountability Act would ensure our statutes are updated to meet this current moment.”

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) said the proposal is designed to provide law enforcement with additional support in responding to emerging fraud risks. “The AI Fraud Accountability Act modernizes federal law to crack down on AI fraudsters targeting American families, seniors, and businesses while safeguarding technological innovation and First Amendment rights,” he said in a statement.

The House and Senate versions of the AI Fraud Accountability Act have been introduced and are expected to be referred to relevant congressional committees for consideration.