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Ted Cruz Stops Senate Effort To Pass AI Deepfake Bill

Cruz objected to advancing the bill, saying its exceptions do not adequately protect political commentary and satire.

Ted Cruz Stops Senate Effort To Pass AI Deepfake Bill
Image · Forbes

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Outlet credibilityForbes77/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026
Forbes
Sep 30, 2026
tl;dr

Ted Cruz objected to Marsha Blackburn’s effort to advance the NO FAKES Act by unanimous consent, leaving the bill stalled despite committee approval and support from entertainment and technology groups. Cruz said the bill’s speech protections are unclear; Blackburn and Chris Coons argued that its safeguards are adequate.

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Ted Cruz R · TX · SEN
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Ted Cruz
R · TX · SEN

Senator who objected to advancing the NO FAKES Act

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Marsha Blackburn
R · TN · SEN

Senator who sought unanimous consent to advance the bill

Blackburn's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose social media accounts were cited in a discussion of AI-generated political material

Karen Bass
Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

Former Los Angeles mayor referenced in an AI deepfake example

Christopher A. Coons
D · DE · SEN

Senator and sponsor supporting the bill

ALSO MENTIONED  Spencer Pratt, Los Angeles mayoral candidate referenced in an AI deepfake example

Part of a bigger story

8 OUTLETS
Ted Cruz Objects to Senate Efforts to Advance AI Bills

Ted Cruz objected to advancing Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s NO FAKES Act, citing free-speech concerns; Blackburn and co-sponsor Chris Coons defended the measure. Left-leaning outlets frame Cruz’s move as blocking a fellow Republican’s bill, while noting his rationale and the sponsors’ response. Center outlets pair that dispute over speech protections with coverage of Cruz’s objection to a separate AI safety bill, emphasizing competing claims about safeguards and government authority.

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