Senators Coons, Tillis introduce legislation to promote protection of international digital freedom

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) yesterday introduced the Advancing Digital Freedom Act of 2024, which would equip the U.S. Department of State with the authorities to elevate digital freedom as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and support its critical role in advancing democratic governance around the world. Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.). The members of Congress announced last month that they intended to introduce the legislation.

“As a global leader of human rights, the United States must deter authoritarian and illiberal states that are using advanced technologies to threaten human rights alongside our own national security,” said Senator Coons. “Protecting digital freedom abroad is a cornerstone of American foreign policy for the modern age, and that is why we must cooperate with like-minded countries to develop and deploy emerging technology in a manner that respects democracy and rule of law. As Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I’m confident that this bill will help protect digital freedoms and counter global misinformation and disinformation in partnership with our allies.”

“With increasing cyber threats and attacks on the horizon, working with our allies to counter them is all the more important,” said Senator Tillis. “Protecting and promoting digital freedom across the globe must be a priority, which is why I look forward to introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the Department of State continues to prioritize this as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.”

“Digital technology has both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to advancing democracy,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “It can enable citizens to access information, share ideas, and organize while simultaneously allowing for authoritarian regimes to spread propaganda, enhance surveillance, and stifle free speech. We must ensure that digital technologies are used to strengthen democracy, not dismantle it. It is crucial for the United States to develop a comprehensive strategy to safeguard digital freedom worldwide and work with partners to implement this plan. Promoting human rights and democracy at home and abroad must remain a bipartisan issue, and I am proud to advance these priorities with a bipartisan, bicameral group of congressional colleagues.”

“The Unholy Alliance, including the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, relies on abusive surveillance technologies to restrict access to information and the outside world and to maintain their grip on power,” said Congresswoman Young Kim, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. “To remain a global human rights leader, the United States cannot stand idly by as these authoritarian regimes use digital technologies and platforms to suppress innocent civilians, religious minorities, and political dissenters. I am proud to join Representative Kamlager-Dove and Senators Coons and Tillis to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to protect the right to international digital freedom. I’ll keep fighting to ensure the United States promotes global human rights and protects freedom-loving people around the world.”

The right to freedom of expression has become a fault line between pro-democracy groups and authoritarian governments. Digital platforms, including social media, have been crucial tools for movements such as the Mahsa Amini protests in Iran or the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. However, autocratic governments have attempted to stifle these efforts by cracking down on digital freedom. Russia and China deploy digital tools to identify and silence dissidents, Iran routinely blocks access to thousands of websites conveying political content, and North Korea and Venezuela coordinate disinformation campaigns to undermine citizens’ access to credible information. To address such threats to digital freedom, the Advancing Digital Freedom Act would strengthen the United States’ role in leading efforts to ensure technology is used to uphold human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law.

Specifically, the bill would:

Elevate digital freedom as a foremost foreign policy priority of the United States;
Empower the Coordinator for Digital Freedom in the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to lead global efforts to protect digital freedom, counter disinformation and misinformation, and advance democratic governance in the digital space;
Encourage the State Department to engage with foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and other actors to coordinate efforts to defend digital freedom against digital authoritarianism; and
Require the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to submit an annual report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the state of global digital freedom, including analysis of emerging and concerning trends impacting digital freedom.

As Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, Senators Coons and Tillis are committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy through U.S. foreign policy. Recently, the caucus has held briefings and issued statements on the state of conflict and human rights across the globe, including in the Horn of Africa, Ukraine, and across Latin America.

The text of the bill is available here.

ICYMI: Senator Coons highlights Senate’s crucial role in confirmations during Fox News Sunday interview

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream this weekend to express his concerns about several of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations and warned against efforts to bypass the Senate’s advice and consent role by using recess appointments.

This past week, Trump announced several cabinet picks for his future administration, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as Attorney General, and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii to be Director of National Intelligence.

While Senator Coons discussed his willingness to meet with President-elect Trump’s nominees to discuss their positions and qualifications and spoke positively about Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been nominated to be Secretary of State, he made clear that he expects the Senate to carry out its constitutional role of advice and consent to ensure the nominees will be able to manage their departments and advance the interests of the American people.

Senator Coons: You introduced me, Shannon, as someone who will get a chance to vote on all of these nominations. I certainly hope that’s the case and that we won’t see nominees jammed through in recess appointments where there’s no confirmation hearing, no confirmation vote, and they take over incredibly powerful positions for up to two years.

Of course, I’d be willing to meet with President-elect Trump’s nominees. I did the previous time he was president. I voted on many of them, and I look forward to meeting with RFK Jr. I have to say, though, that his long record of being an anti-vaccine campaigner gives me real pause and concern. That would be the first thing I would ask him about, because the fact that American children are vaccinated against things like measles, mumps and rubella keeps us safe and saves millions of lives a year. So, getting to the bottom of his real views on a wide range of issues – from vaccines to dietary supplements to the research work of CDC, NIH and FDA, and whether he’s pro-choice or pro-life – all of that would be important for us to get some clarity on.

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Shannon Bream: Do you think that all Republicans, all 53 of them once you flip into the new year – if that McCormick seat holds, as we expect in the midst of this recount – do you think all of them would vote to adjourn the Senate? Do you think there are some Republican colleagues of yours who would say ‘we’re not going to adjourn the Senate and go along with this recess end-run?’

Senator Coons: Likely yes, Shannon, because they understand our constitutional role. We’re a check and balance. We’re there to be a guardrail. You cited earlier a Wall Street Journal editorial that said, frankly, if you take the confirmation process out, and you only put people in the cabinet as a result of recess appointments, then there’s a real risk that future administrations – future presidents – will jam in increasingly marginal characters who are there because of their popularity or their celebrity or what they’ve said, but who lack the requisite skill and experience, policy views and character to lead what are huge and significant federal agencies. I agree with that view.

The full interview can be watched here.

Senators Coons, Cassidy, Kaine, Tillis applaud passage of the Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment (BRIDGE) for Workers Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) celebrated Congress’ passage of the Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment (BRIDGE) for Workers Act. The bill will give states more flexibility in administering existing reemployment benefits to help more Americans find good-paying jobs. The bill will soon be signed into law by President Biden.

This legislation will allow states to provide reemployment benefits to more unemployed Americans trying to reenter the workforce. Those benefits can include job search assistance, employability assessments, job matching, financial literacy programs, and support with resume writing and interviewing.

“Despite record-low unemployment levels, everything from the rapid growth of technology to the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are still making it hard for many American workers to find jobs, and reemployment benefits are a proven tool that get more Americans back into the workforce,” said Senator Coons. “I’m thrilled Congress has committed to investing in our workforce and ensuring reemployment benefits are as effective as possible by passing the BRIDGE for Workers Act. I’ll continue working to pass legislation that will help American workers and their families.”

“We encourage work and benefit families by making it easier and quicker to find a job,” said Senator Cassidy. “We have the resources, so passing this bill in the Senate is a step in the right direction.”

“Expanding access to reemployment services like financial literacy classes and resume-building workshops gives unemployed Americans a competitive edge in our ever-changing job market,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud the Senate passed this legislation, which makes critical resources available to those looking for work so more Americans can find reliable, good-paying jobs.”

“Losing a job can be an extremely stressful experience. I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed our bipartisan legislation to help ensure people are able to get back into the workforce as quickly as possible. I look forward to the president signing this bill into law,” said Senator Kaine.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor grants funds to states and territories to help unemployment claimants find work through reemployment services. However, under current law, these funds can only be used to assist individuals who are expected to run out of unemployment benefits before securing employment. This limitation excludes many workers who could benefit from support. The BRIDGE for Workers Act will lift this restriction, allowing states to use federal grants to offer reemployment services to all individuals receiving unemployment benefits, as long as the state determines the services will help them return to work faster.

The legislation is supported by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the nonpartisan national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

The text of the bill can be found here.

Statement from Senator Coons on the 2024 election

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement:

“Last Tuesday’s election did not produce the outcome nationally that I had hoped and worked for, but the people have spoken. We have to accept the results and move forward with a peaceful transfer of power to a new administration and Senate majority. In a country as divided as ours, my job continues to be to find common ground to tackle the real problems facing our country while representing Delaware’s values and upholding our Constitution.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished over the past four years – especially the bipartisan investments in manufacturing, innovation and infrastructure that have put our economy on a stronger track, our support for veterans, as well as progress on gun safety and mental health.

“There is a clear message from this election — that we in the Democratic Party have to listen better to the concerns of the middle class, respect the dignity of work, and expand opportunity in our country. I am determined to listen to those who have felt disrespected, ignored or overlooked by our actions and will roll up my sleeves to tackle the many challenges still facing our nation.”

Senators Coons, Klobuchar introduce resolution honoring the contributions of election workers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced plans today to introduce a resolution recognizing the contributions of America’s election workers and highlighting the significance of their efforts in supporting the democratic process in the United States.

“Our democracy survives because of the commitment and hard work of election workers across the country who ensure the electoral process is fair, impartial, and transparent,” said Senator Coons. “Despite facing disturbing and increasing threats online and in person, the nation’s election workers continue to facilitate the smooth functioning of democracy and strengthen public trust in our local, state, and federal governments. Those who commit their time and energy to supporting democracy in the midst of a turbulent election season deserve the Senate’s recognition and thanks.”

“Our election workers are public servants working on the front lines of our democracy to make sure that every vote is counted,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This resolution recognizes them for their tireless work administering our free and fair elections and their critical role in safeguarding our democratic process so that people can make their voices heard. I’ll continue working to ensure election workers receive the support they need to safely do their jobs.”

With only one day until Election Day, tens of millions of citizens in the United States have already voted by casting absentee ballots or voting early in person, and tens of millions more will go to their local polling places tomorrow to cast their ballots. Our democracy is sustained by election workers in more than 10,000 local election jurisdictions and by more than 630,000 poll workers.

The poll workers who staff the nation’s more than 100,000 polling places are mostly over 60 years old. Many work long hours on Election Day on top of prior poll worker training. A poll worker’s tasks can include checking voter IDs, updating voter information, distributing ballots, counting ballots, and assisting elderly and disabled citizens.

This resolution recognizes the need for, and gives appreciation to, America’s election workers in a time of rampant disinformation and growing political division in America that too often includes attacks on the democratic process and virtual and physical threats to election workers. A nonpartisan survey by the Brennan Center for Law and Justice found that nearly 40% of election officials had been the target of threats or harassment, and one in four expressed fear their families would be targeted. Across the country, election workers have reported more than 2,000 threats, and the FBI has opened more than 100 investigations.

The text of the resolution is available here.

Senators Carper, Coons, colleagues push administration to release additional seasonal work visas to support small businesses

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and 36 of their colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Acting Secretary Julie Su of the U.S. Department of Labor, urging the departments to address the seasonal labor shortage by releasing the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for fiscal year 2025.

Employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American works for open positions, but when there are not enough Americans to fill temporary positions, H-2B visas help small businesses meet their labor needs. During the busy summer seasons, Delaware businesses – especially in the agriculture and tourism sectors – are often dependent on foreign workers given local staffing shortages. Releasing the maximum number of H-2B visas will help Delaware’s farms operate at full capacity and its beach towns remain open for visitors.

“Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers,” the senators wrote. “The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.’

“The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide,” the senators continued. “The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys … show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the [fiscal year] 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024 – roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in [fiscal year] 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers.”

In addition to Senators Carper, Coons, King, and Rounds, the letter was signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

The full text of the letter is available here.

ICYMI: U.S. News highlights Senator Coons’ efforts to support returned American hostages and wrongful detainees

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. News & World Report’s Olivier Knox devoted his “Decision Points” column to U.S. Senator Chris Coons’ (D-Del.) package of legislation to make American hostages and wrongful detainees financially whole after their return home. The column focused primarily on his Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which would end the IRS’ practice of charging fines and late fees for non-payment of taxes on hostages and wrongful detainees while they are unjustly held abroad.

As Knox lays out, Senator Coons was inspired to take action after speaking with Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post reporter who was wrongfully detained for 544 days in Iran’s Evin Prison. When Rezaian returned to the United States, he faced financial stressors – a tanked credit score and a $21,000 IRS bill – because the government’s current system lacks provisions for those held hostage overseas.

In response, Senator Coons introduced his bipartisan Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), which would stop the IRS from charging fines and late fees to hostages and wrongful detainees for failing to pay their federal taxes while being held unjustly abroad. Additionally, Senator Coons has also introduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), which would empower former hostages and detainees to restore credit scores that may have been negatively impacted during their detention. His Retirement Security for American Hostages Act with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) would ensure that hostages and wrongful detainees aren’t penalized in the calculation of their Social Security benefits.

Last month, Senator Coons also published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal highlighting his work on these bills and his advocacy for American hostages and wrongful detainees.

U.S. News: A Different Kind of Crisis for Released American Hostages

Enter Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who holds the seat filled for decades by President Joe Biden, and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Coons, who says he’s been interested in the plight of Americans detained overseas since he was a Capitol Hill intern decades ago and met the parent of a young U.S. citizen imprisoned abroad, has introduced a suite of legislation aimed at helping wrongful detainees.

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“I started with a simple proposition that if you’re released after wrongful detention, you shouldn’t have to pay late fines and fees to the IRS,” Coons says.

The senator credits Rezaian with the idea for the tax bill and Paul Whelan – the 54-year-old former U.S. Marine arrested in Russia in December 2018 and held until he was freed in a prisoner swap in August – with the Social Security idea. In addition to Whelan, Coons has met with Vladimir Kara-Murza and Evan Gershkovich, who were also freed in that exchange, and with other Americans unjustly held abroad.

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“There’s some disagreement between the House and Senate about passing a clean bill,” Coons says. “I really hope we’ll just pass the clean bill on both sides and send it to the President’s desk.”

Senators Coons, Tillis to introduce legislation to promote protection of international digital freedom

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) today announced plans to introduce the Advancing Digital Freedom Act of 2024, which would equip the U.S. State Department with the authorities to elevate digital freedom as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and support its critical role in advancing democratic governance around the world. Companion legislation will also be introduced in the House by Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.).

“With increasing cyber threats and attacks on the horizon than ever before, working with our allies to counter them is all the more important,” said Senator Tillis. “Protecting and promoting digital freedom across the globe must be a priority, which is why I look forward to introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the Department of State continues to prioritize this as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.”

Specifically, the bill would:

Elevate digital freedom as a foremost foreign policy priority of the United States;
Empower the Coordinator for Digital Freedom in the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to lead global efforts to protect digital freedom, counter disinformation and misinformation, and advance democratic governance in the digital space;
Encourage the State Department to engage with foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and other actors to coordinate efforts to defend digital freedom against digital authoritarianism; and
Require the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to submit an annual report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the state of global digital freedom, including analysis of emerging and concerning trends impacting digital freedom.

The text of the bill is available here.

Senators Coons, Risch, Shaheen, Young to introduce Sudan Accountability Act to protect the Sudanese people and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today announced their intention to introduce the Sudan Accountability Act to respond to the civil war in Sudan that has been raging since April 2023. In addition to Senators Coons and Risch, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crisis. More than 20,000 Sudanese have been killed since fighting broke out last April. Ten million people have been displaced – 2 million of whom have had to leave the country as refugees – and more than 25 million people are suffering from severe hunger. Massacres in Darfur and other regions across the country by RSF militias have become regular occurrences. A peace process still seems far away, as both sides and nations across Africa and the Middle East focus more on securing access to Sudan’s natural resources. Democratic prospects have dimmed since a 2021 coup by General Abdel Fattah Burhan and the SAF, who had proceeded to consolidate their control and shut out civil society before the war broke out.

“It is time for Congress to act on Sudan,” said Senator Coons. “Failing to act as the Sudanese people are forced to flee or die in their homeland is a choice that we do not accept. The Sudan Accountability Act will advance and protect the rights of all Sudanese, hold the perpetrators of war crimes and their supporters accountable, expand humanitarian access, and support efforts to bring an end to this disastrous conflict.”

“The Sudanese people continue to suffer unspeakable atrocities, including genocide and war crimes,” said Senator Risch. “It is past time the perpetrators of these atrocities be held accountable. While securing a cease-fire and addressing humanitarian needs are crucial, protecting civilians and preventing further atrocities must also be a priority. This legislation requires a clear strategy, resourcing, and leadership on Sudan by the U.S. government to protect civilian welfare, particularly that of women and children. Congress will oversee these efforts to ensure accountability is adequately pursued.”

“The war in Sudan has created the most devastating humanitarian crisis in the world, including record rates of sexual- and gender-based violence committed in large part by the Rapid Support Forces,” said Senator Shaheen. “The international community must support the Sudanese people’s demands for protection and justice and the warring parties must come to the table to end this war. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that sends an unmistakable, bipartisan message that the United States will seek accountability for any individual, state, or entity that commits war crimes or crimes against humanity in Sudan and perpetuates this awful conflict.”

“The situation in Sudan is heartbreaking and one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world,” said Senator Young. “The United States and the international community cannot ignore this situation, nor can we stand silent as external actors fuel the conflict. Our bipartisan legislation will shed a light on these atrocities, help hold the perpetrators of war crimes in Sudan accountable, and support a broad humanitarian response.”

The Sudan Accountability Act is the most comprehensive bill in the Senate to date to address the ongoing war in Sudan. The legislation takes important steps to shed light on the atrocities occurring in Sudan and determine if they constitute genocide; hold perpetrators and their supporters accountable; offer services to innocent civilians; and support the protection of the Sudanese people. It will:

Advance and protect the internationally recognized human rights of all Sudanese, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or geographic area of origin;
Document war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide and hold perpetrators accountable;
Mandate a strategy to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to vulnerable populations and prevent human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers;
Authorize assistance to support victims of atrocities;
Enhance civilian protection and evaluate options to deter attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers;
Support mechanisms for dialogue and conflict resolution and ensure inclusion of Sudanese women in these efforts.

The full text of the bill is available here.

ICYMI: U.S. News publishes Senator Coons op-ed on need to pass NO FAKES Act to protect Americans from AI deepfakes

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, yesterday published an op-ed in U.S. News & World Report urging the swift passage of his bipartisan Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act of 2024, known as the NO FAKES Act. This bill – which would provide all Americans with the tools necessary to safeguard their voices and likenesses against unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes – would also help deter AI-powered misinformation and disinformation that threatens to upend democratic elections across the country.

Unauthorized generative AI deepfakes utilizing a real person’s voice or likeness have had a negative impact across American society, popping up in everything from financial scams to computer-generated songs featuring famous artists created without their participation or permission. Deepfakes have also played an increasingly large role in the runup to November’s elections, including a fake video featuring Vice President Harris that was amplified by billionaire Elon Musk and photos that falsely suggested pop superstar Taylor Swift supported former President Trump’s 2024 campaign. The use of deepfake-driven misinformation is likely to only increase in the next 26 days and in the aftermath of the election.

This summer, Senator Coons introduced the NO FAKES Act alongside Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to protect the voices and visual likenesses of all Americans from the proliferation of digital replicas created without their consent.

The legislation has wide support from advocates for creative artists and entertainment giants, including the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Warner Music Group, The Walt Disney Co., Sony Music, the Motion Picture Association, and the Recording Industry Association of America.

U.S. News: AI Deepfakes Threaten Americans and Our Election

The rise of easy-to-use generative AI programs has created new frontiers for disinformation. Now, with a few clicks and a well-written prompt, even a child can create audio, video or photographs of real people – your senator or your next-door neighbor – with the intent of manipulating voters and consumers.

This year we’ve already seen an AI-generated robocall featuring a fake voice that sounded like President Joe Biden, intended to suppress turnout by Democrats in the New Hampshire primary. There was a digital ad shared by Elon Musk, owner of X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, to his 200 million followers that was a facsimile of Vice President Kamala Harris speaking made-up lines and claiming to be a “diversity hire.” Nor can we forget the AI-generated photos of pop megastar Taylor Swift and fans purportedly endorsing Donald Trump, which the former president sent to his nearly 8 million followers on Truth Social. (Weeks later, the real Swift endorsed Harris on her own Instagram, but fans could be forgiven for being confused.)

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That’s why a bipartisan group of senators – Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and myself – have introduced the NO FAKES Act to protect the voices and visual likenesses not just of public officials and celebrities, but of ordinary Americans, too. As Senate leaders weigh the introduction of a package of legislation addressing AI – hopefully before the end of the year – the NO FAKES Act would protect all of us from unauthorized deepfakes and ought to be part of any final package.

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With fewer than four weeks until Election Day, it may be too late to stop any type of deepfakes aimed at influencing the outcome of the vote, but AI-enabled scams aren’t bound by election seasons. So it’s essential that we pass this legislation as soon as possible, not only to secure the integrity of our democracy, but also to protect the American people who deserve to be the owners of their identities.

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