Massachusetts Aims to Curb AI-Driven Election Misinformation

New legislation targets deceptive audio and visual media in political ads

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Massachusetts House is poised to pass legislation that would prohibit candidates from distributing "materially deceptive audio or visual media" with the intent to harm a candidate's reputation or deceive voters about election information within 90 days of an election. The bill would also require disclosure of "synthetic media" - audio or video content produced by AI - in political ads.

Why it matters

As AI technology becomes more advanced and accessible, there are growing concerns about its potential to spread misinformation and undermine the integrity of elections. This legislation is an attempt by Massachusetts lawmakers to get ahead of these issues and protect voters from deceptive political content.

The details

The proposed legislation would prohibit candidates from distributing "materially deceptive audio or visual media" with the intent to harm a candidate's reputation or deceive voters about when, where or how to vote. It includes an exemption for content that constitutes "satire or parody." The bill would also require that "synthetic media" - AI-generated audio or video intended to influence voting - disclose its artificial nature at the start and end. Violators would face fines of up to $1,000.

  • The Massachusetts House plans to take up the legislation on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Massachusetts House

The lower chamber of the Massachusetts state legislature, which is poised to pass the new election misinformation legislation.

Ron Mariano

The Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, who stated that lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure AI does not further the spread of misinformation in politics.

Aaron Michlewitz

The Chair of the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee, which drafted the election misinformation legislation.

Tricia Farley-Bouvier

The Massachusetts state representative who originally introduced the bill (H 76) that the House is now considering.

Brad Jones

The Minority Leader of the Massachusetts House, who introduced a separate bill (H 846) that would require disclosure of AI-generated "synthetic media" in political ads.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our economy and many aspects of our daily lives, lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that AI does not further the spread of misinformation in our politics.”

— Ron Mariano, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives (nbcboston.com)

“As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our economy and many aspects of our daily lives, lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that AI does not further the spread of misinformation in our politics.”

— Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

The Massachusetts House is expected to vote on the legislation on Wednesday, February 12, 2026. If passed, the bill would then move to the state Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a proactive effort by Massachusetts lawmakers to address the growing threat of AI-driven misinformation in elections. By targeting deceptive political ads and requiring disclosure of synthetic media, the state is working to protect the integrity of its democratic process as AI technology continues to advance.