USA: KENTUCKY SB 4

1. Overview

Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), or “An Act relating to protection of information and declaring an emergency,” was signed into law by the state of Kentucky in March 2025. The bill aims to uphold election integrity by responding to the application of synthetic media as a weapon in political campaigns and governing AI-produced content.

2. Legal Scope

The use of “synthetic media” in electioneering communications is exactly dealt with by SB 4. It bans the unreported release of AI-generated content that fraudulently depicts individuals in political contexts. Both its production and release are governed by the legislation. Importantly, it has exceptions for media that clearly signal the synthetic nature of the content, protecting journalism and satire.

3. Key provisions

Prohibited Behavior: SB 4 enacts a cause of action against an individual or organization who deceives the public by utilizing synthetic media in electioneering communications without transparent disclosure.

Consent Requirements: The statute indicates that any electioneering communication that uses synthetic media is required to disclose that artificial intelligence was used in changing or creating the content.

Platform Responsibilities: SB 4 categorically denies social media companies and computer services responsibility for hosting deepfakes unless they are the sponsors of the same electioneering communication, though it does not necessarily require them to remove it.

4. Fines and Enforcement 

Civil sanctions: Transgressors of SB 4 can be held liable civilly, together with injunctions and damages.

Enforcement Authorities: 4 offers the individuals who are portrayed in anonymous fake media used in electioneering communications the chance to seek judicial remedies. Civil courts are utilized in enforcing, providing affected stakeholders with a judicial forum for redress of their claims.

5. Notable Precedents or Cases

To date, no cases have reached the public courts to challenge the provisions of SB 4 since it took effect in March 2025.

6. Comparison to Global Standards

A wider-keyed trend of deepfake-fighting legislation enacted by U.S. states is Kentucky’s SB 4. SB 4 is more specifically targeted, only concerning electioneering communications and not regulating AI content in general, unlike international models like the European Union’s AI Act.

7. Practical Implications

In Kentucky, political candidates, campaign committees, and content creators must make sure that the creation of synthetic media for use in election materials is accompanied by adequate disclosures. Otherwise, it may invite civil action. SB 4 provides a person with the choice of filing a lawsuit when they feel misrepresented.

8. Future Prospects

With the fast pace at which AI technology has been progressing and being used in political campaigns, Kentucky can revisit SB 4 and make additional changes to cope with emerging threats. It will be important to monitor the performance of the law and its enforcement to prepare for future legislation on deepfakes.