HB 172 — Alabama distribution of materially deceptive media in elections

Summary

Alabama HB 172 (2024 Regular Session) makes it a crime to distribute, within 90 days before an election, AI-generated media that the distributor knows falsely depicts a person, in an attempt to influence the election. The prohibition does not apply where the media carries a prescribed disclaimer that it has been manipulated. A first violation is a Class A misdemeanor; a second or subsequent conviction within five years is a Class D felony. Certain parties may also seek permanent injunctive relief. The bill passed without a dissenting vote, was signed by Governor Ivey and took effect on October 1, 2024.

Key dates

1. October 1, 2024Takes effect
2. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
3. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. (2) The distribution occurs within 90 days before an

   Supports: 90-day pre-election window (enrolled text also sets the disclaimer safe harbor, penalties and injunctive relief)

   HB172 Enrolled Alabama Legislature Primary source

2. Signed by the state’s governor, the new law criminalizes distributing “materially deceptive media.” A first violation would be a misdemeanor, but subsequent violations would be treated as felonies. The law takes effect Oct. 1.

   Supports: Signing, offense, penalty tiers, effective date

   New Alabama Deepfake Law Includes Criminal Sanctions Government Technology (al.com via TNS) Reporting or analysis