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AI regulation and deepfakes

Artificial intelligence regulation is a major emerging issue for 2026, particularly around AI-generated disinformation. States have shown bipartisan support for curbing AI-generated nonconsensual intimate images, deepfaked child sexual abuse material, and election-related deepfakes. The National Conference of State Legislatures expects continued state-level action on AI-powered impersonation even as federal standards remain unsettled.

How should the government regulate artificial intelligence and AI-generated content?

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Sources

Jared Brey, Jule Pattison-Gordon, Carl Smith — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
States have also shown bipartisan support for curbing AI-generated nonconsensual intimate images, deepfaked child sexual abuse material and election-related deepfakes. The National Conference of State Legislatures expects that states will continue to focus on stopping AI-powered online impersonation.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Enact comprehensive federal AI regulation with a public oversight board and mandatory safety testing for all AI systems.
  2. Pass targeted federal laws against harmful AI uses like deepfakes and require transparency in AI-generated content.
  3. Support state-led AI laws on clear harms like deepfakes while developing voluntary federal industry standards.
  4. Limit regulation to narrow criminal misuse; let industry self-regulate most AI development to preserve innovation.
  5. Oppose most AI regulation as government overreach; the free market will correct harmful uses without mandates.

AI regulation frameworks

Heading into 2026, states must respond to emerging federal frameworks on artificial intelligence regulation while managing other Washington-driven priorities, making AI governance a significant intergovernmental and national policy issue.

What is the best national approach to regulating artificial intelligence?

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Sources

Governing — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
States will be scrambling to manage new priorities and demands from Washington, tighten their belts in a tough budget cycle and respond to federal frameworks on AI regulation.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Impose strict federal AI safety rules, liability, and public-interest limits on deployment
  2. Create strong federal standards on bias, transparency, and worker impacts with state flexibility
  3. Set baseline federal rules while allowing states and industry to innovate within them
  4. Prefer light-touch federal guidance and preemption of heavy state AI regulations
  5. Minimize AI regulation so U.S. firms can outpace foreign competitors unchecked