New York Bill Mandates AI-Generated News Labels & Human Review

The proposed 'NY FAIR News Act' aims to address concerns about transparency and trust in AI-produced journalism.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A new bill in New York, dubbed the 'NY FAIR News Act,' would require news organizations to clearly label any content substantially created by artificial intelligence and undergo human review before publication. The legislation reflects growing concerns about the potential for AI-generated news to spread misinformation or plagiarize existing work, as well as the impact on journalism jobs.

Why it matters

The NY FAIR News Act is a landmark step toward regulating AI in journalism, setting a precedent that could influence similar legislation in other states. It addresses critical issues around transparency, accountability, and the protection of journalistic integrity and worker rights as AI becomes more prevalent in news production.

The details

The core of the bill centers around transparency, mandating that news organizations explicitly label any content 'generated by artificial intelligence.' This applies to written articles as well as audio, images, and visual materials. Crucially, all AI-generated content must undergo review by a human editor with editorial control. The legislation also prohibits layoffs, work reductions, or cuts to wages and benefits as a direct result of AI implementation, aiming to protect journalism jobs.

  • The NY FAIR News Act was proposed in early 2026.

The players

NY FAIR News Act

A proposed New York law that would require news organizations to label AI-generated content and subject it to human review.

WGA-East

A major media union that has expressed support for the NY FAIR News Act.

SAG-AFTRA

A major media union that has expressed support for the NY FAIR News Act.

DGA

A major media union that has expressed support for the NY FAIR News Act.

NewsGuild of New York

A major media union that has expressed support for the NY FAIR News Act and launched the 'News Not Slop' campaign advocating for safeguards in the use of AI within newsrooms.

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What’s next

The NY FAIR News Act is currently under consideration by the New York state legislature. If passed, it could set a precedent for other states to follow suit in regulating the use of AI in news production.

The takeaway

The NY FAIR News Act represents a proactive effort to address the growing concerns around transparency, trust, and the potential impact of AI on journalism. By mandating clear labeling and human review of AI-generated content, the legislation aims to maintain journalistic integrity and protect media workers as the industry continues to evolve.