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The NO FAKES Act, initially conceived to combat unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes, is now facing scrutiny over concerns of potential censorship. Digital rights advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), argue that revisions to the bill have broadened its scope, transforming it into a potential tool for restricting internet freedom.

The EFF highlights the updated bill’s requirement for platforms to implement systems preventing the re-uploading of similar content, a mandate that could lead to the deployment of unreliable and overbroad content filters. Furthermore, the act targets AI development platforms themselves, potentially stifling innovation by smaller startups who may struggle to navigate costly legal challenges. Tech giants, with greater resources, could be better positioned to comply, further solidifying their market dominance.

Another point of contention is the potential impact on anonymous speech. The bill empowers individuals to obtain subpoenas, forcing platforms to disclose identifying information of users accused of creating unauthorized digital replicas, raising concerns about privacy and the chilling effect on free expression. The original story appeared on Artificial Intelligence News.