Bipartisan Legislation Targets Rising Threat of AI-Powered Impersonation and Fraud
Congress has introduced the bipartisan AI Fraud Deterrence Act to impose stricter penalties for crimes committed using AI, such as wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and impersonation of federal officials. The bill raises fines up to $2 million and extends prison sentences up to 30 years for AI-assisted bank fraud. It was prompted by recent incidents where scammers used AI to convincingly mimic voices of top U.S. officials to access sensitive information. The legislation uses an established federal AI definition and exempts clearly labeled satire and parody, maintaining First Amendment protections. Proponents argue AI has made scams more accessible and dangerous, necessitating tougher deterrents and updated laws. Some experts caution that proving AI involvement in scams remains technologically difficult, and call for greater investment in digital forensics to ensure enforcement. Meanwhile, debates continue over federal versus state regulation of AI, with potential executive actions aiming to standardize approaches nationwide.
