What does Preamble of AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To establish protections against digital impersonation fraud, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026.

What does CRIMINAL PROHIBITION ON USE OF DIGITAL IMPERSONATIONS TO COMMIT of AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 223 of the Communications Act of 1934 to create a criminal prohibition against using digital impersonations to commit fraud. The definition of 'digital impersonation' includes visual or audio depictions of identifiable or imaginary individuals created through technology that are indistinguishable from authentic depictions. An 'identifiable individual' is one whose face, likeness, voice, or other distinguishing characteristic is displayed or heard in a digital impersonation. It is unlawful to falsely pose as an individual in a digital impersonation with the intent to defraud someone of value, subject to certain exceptions for lawful investigative activities. Penalties for violating this provision include fines, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. The law also addresses threats related to the offense and establishes forfeiture procedures. Extraterritorial jurisdiction is established over offenses under this section. Section 223(e)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 is amended to include references to subsections (h) and (i).

What does PROTECTION AGAINST DIGITAL IMPERSONATION FRAUD. of AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 do?

This section prohibits individuals from falsely posing as someone, real or fictional, in digital impersonations with the intent to defraud another of something of value in interstate or foreign commerce. A lawful investigative, protective, or intelligence activity by a law enforcement or intelligence agency is exempt from this prohibition. Violations of this section are treated as violations of unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Federal Trade Commission (Commission) will enforce this section using the same powers and jurisdiction as it has under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Commission retains its authority under other laws, and individuals violating this section are subject to penalties and privileges outlined in the Federal Trade Commission Act. The terms 'digital impersonation' and 'identifiable individual' are defined by section 223(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by section 2 of this Act.

What does WORKING GROUP ON DIGITAL IMPERSONATION FRAUD. of AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a Working Group on Digital Impersonation Fraud. The Working Group is tasked with developing best practices and recommendations for recognizing, detecting, preventing, and tracing digital impersonations used in fraud. The Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will convene the Working Group within 30 days of the Act's enactment. The Working Group will consist of representatives from the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, law enforcement agencies, and various private sector industries. The Director must convene at least one public workshop to gather stakeholder input on the developed best practices and recommendations. Within one year of enactment, the Director must publish a report containing these best practices and recommendations on the NIST website. The Director will review and update the best practices and recommendations annually. The Director must submit annual reports to the appropriate committees of Congress summarizing the Working Group's activities and future plans. The requirements of this section will sunset 10 years after the Act's enactment.

What does COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. of AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes procedures for cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies regarding violations of sections 2 or 3 of the Act. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, must identify the top 10 foreign countries where violations originate and harm individuals in the U.S. within 90 days of enactment. The FTC may enter into agreements with these foreign countries to ensure cooperation in enforcing the Act. These agreements must adhere to the requirements outlined in section 6(j)(4) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC must report annually to Congress on the implementation of these agreements, including negotiations, coordination with foreign agencies, and challenges encountered. The Attorney General must review and modify international agreements with foreign law enforcement agencies every five years to encourage assistance with enforcing violations of section 223(i) of the Communications Act of 1934. The Attorney General must also submit a report to Congress every five years detailing the review, any modifications made, and recommendations for strengthening enforcement.

What does SAVINGS CLAUSE. of AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a savings clause. The Act is not to be construed as restricting First Amendment rights.

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AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/4/2026 · Introduced: 3/4/2026

Author: Tim Sheehy (R-MT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a federal criminal prohibition against using digital impersonations to defraud someone of value, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
It prohibits falsely posing as someone, real or fictional, in digital impersonations to defraud others in interstate or foreign commerce, subjecting violators to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforcement.
The bill creates a Working Group on Digital Impersonation Fraud to develop best practices for recognizing, detecting, and preventing digital impersonation fraud, publishing annual reports and recommendations.
It directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to cooperate with foreign law enforcement agencies to address violations originating from the top 10 countries harming U.S. individuals.
The Act includes a savings clause, ensuring it does not restrict First Amendment rights.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7786(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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