Bills · S 3982
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3982Commerce
AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026
INTRO MAR 4· LAST ACTION MAR 4
READING
11MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because advanced artificial intelligence tools are making it easier for fraudsters to create convincing fake images and voices, which can be used to trick people into giving away their money or personal information. This type of 'digital impersonation' fraud is a growing threat, leading to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses and eroding trust in digital communications.
If this bill becomes law, it provides new, specific legal tools for both criminal prosecution and civil enforcement against those who commit deepfake fraud. Without it, prosecuting these specific types of fraud might rely on existing, more general fraud laws that may not adequately address the unique nature of AI-generated impersonations, potentially making it harder to catch and punish perpetrators and protect victims.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a new federal crime for using 'digital impersonations' (AI-generated or technologically altered images/audio) to falsely pose as someone with intent to defraud.
This directly criminalizes the use of deepfake technology for fraudulent purposes, providing a clear legal basis for prosecution.
PROVISION 02
Applies significant penalties for committing digital impersonation fraud, including fines, up to 3 years in prison, and forfeiture of any property obtained or used in the crime.
These penalties aim to deter individuals from engaging in this type of fraud and ensure justice for victims.
PROVISION 03
Grants the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to treat digital impersonation fraud as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, allowing for civil enforcement.
This provides an additional pathway for consumer protection and allows the FTC to take action against fraudsters outside of criminal prosecution.
PROVISION 04
Includes a definition of 'digital impersonation' that covers both identifiable individuals (real people) and imaginary individuals (fake but realistic personas) created by AI or similar tech.
This broad definition ensures that the law covers a wide range of sophisticated AI-generated fakes used for fraud.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a working group to address digital impersonation fraud, involving the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
This aims to coordinate efforts and develop best practices or standards to combat this evolving threat.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
77
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 66%
DEM 2 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 4
Introduced in Senate
MAR 4
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3982
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 4, 2026
Last actionMar 4, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2026
Senate BillS 3982Commerce
AI Fraud Accountability Act of 2026
INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 4, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
11 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
