Martina McBride Urges Congress to Pass NO FAKES Act Against AI Deepfakes

Country music star Martina McBride testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee in support of the bipartisan NO FAKES Act, which aims to protect individuals' voices and likenesses from unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes. The legislation proposes creating a federal property right for voice and likeness that extends up to 70 years after death, allowing heirs to control usage, and establishes a notice-and-takedown system for platforms to quickly remove unauthorized deepfakes. McBride emphasized the personal and professional harm deepfakes can cause, highlighting how her song "Independence Day" has empowered fans and warning that AI misuse could erode trust with audiences and damage artists' reputations. The bill has garnered broad support from music industry leaders, creative communities, and some tech companies like Google and YouTube, though it faces opposition from other tech groups. Provisions include penalties for violators and protections for social media platforms that comply with removal requirements. Legislators draw parallels to recent bipartisan efforts like the Take It Down Act, underscoring the growing momentum to regulate digital impersonations and protect authenticity.