H 7543Technology

Commercial Law - General Regulatory Provisions - Internet Access and Advertising by Facsimile

This bill requires all AI-generated images and videos viewable in Rhode Island to carry a label disclosing they are AI-generated.

Held for study

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Affected

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Introduced Feb 6, 2026Committee House Innovation, Internet, & Technology

Plain-English Summary

This legislation mandates that any video, image, or photograph generated by artificial intelligence (AI) must contain a disclosure marking indicating its origin. This requirement applies to content uploaded, created, or distributed from within Rhode Island, as well as any content posted on public platforms viewable within the state. The bill defines AI as a machine-based system used for analysis or content generation. Violating this requirement for profit or trade purposes is classified as a deceptive trade practice, subjecting the violator to civil penalties.

For younger readers

Computers can now create pictures and videos that look very real, even though they are not. These are called "AI" images. This new law says that if someone shares these computer-made pictures or videos on the internet where people in Rhode Island can see them, they must put a special mark on them. This mark tells everyone that the picture was made by a computer. If businesses break this rule to make money, they will get in trouble and have to pay a fine.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Social Media PlatformsDigital AdvertisersGraphic DesignersContent CreatorsOnline Retailers

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

High risk

High risk of unconstitutionality. The provision regulating content created outside the state but "viewable in Rhode Island" likely violates the Dormant Commerce Clause by imposing an undue burden on interstate commerce. Furthermore, mandating labels on creative content constitutes "compelled speech," triggering strict scrutiny under the First Amendment. The definition of AI may also be challenged as void for vagueness, given the broad nature of "machine-based systems."

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

Amount unknown

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Protects the public from misinformation and manipulation by requiring transparency, which helps safeguard democratic processes and prevents the spread of "deepfakes" targeting marginalized communities.
holds corporations and profit-driven entities accountable for the content they produce, ensuring they cannot use synthetic media to mislead consumers or exploit vulnerable populations.
Empowers media literacy by ensuring that individuals can distinguish between reality and computer-generated simulations, fostering a more informed society.
The broad enforcement against content merely "viewable" in Rhode Island could inadvertently stifle independent digital artists and creators who use AI as a tool for expression rather than deception.
By focusing enforcement on "trade" and profit, the bill may fail to address politically motivated disinformation campaigns funded by dark money that claim non-profit status.
May create a false sense of security, as malicious actors intending to harass women or minorities with deepfakes will likely ignore the law, while only law-abiding citizens comply.

For Conservatives

Promotes honesty in the marketplace by preventing businesses from using deceptive, computer-generated imagery to defraud consumers about the quality or reality of products.
Establishes a legal framework to combat fraud, ensuring that contracts and sales are based on reality rather than digital fabrications.
Protects the reputation of individuals and businesses by deterring the creation of fake footage that could be used for slander or libel under the guise of commercial trade.
Imposes a massive, unmanageable regulatory burden on businesses by requiring them to label content that might simply be "viewable" in the state, regardless of where it was created.
Represents significant government overreach into free speech by compelling individuals and companies to label their creative works, potentially violating First Amendment rights.
Creates a jurisdictional nightmare by attempting to regulate the global internet based on Rhode Island state law, likely violating the Interstate Commerce Clause.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 14 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 6-47 of the General Laws entitled "Internet Access and Advertising by Facsimile" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 6-47-2.1. Accessibility and ability to determine artificial intelligence generated images.

(a) Any and all video, image, or photography generated by artificial intelligence or "AI" that is uploaded, created, distributed or originated from within the State of Rhode Island and is posted on or to a public platform or that is posted from outside of the State of Rhode Island and is viewable in Rhode Island shall contain a marking disclosing that the video image or photograph has been generated by AI.

(b) As used in this section "artificial intelligence" or "AI" means a machine-based system that undertakes analysis, reasoning and problem-solving, and that can be used to generate predictions, recommendations, photographs, videos, or other content.

(c) Any person or entity violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this section for profit, or for trade as defined in § 6-13.1-1, shall be deemed to have engaged in a deceptive trade practice in violation of chapter 13.1 of title 6 and shall be subject to a civil penalty pursuant to the provisions of §6-13.1-8.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.