New York Bill Aims to Regulate AI Use in Media

Proposed legislation would restrict how news organizations can utilize generative AI tools

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new bill introduced in the New York state legislature by two Democratic lawmakers and backed by unions seeks to heavily regulate the use of artificial intelligence by news media companies. The proposed legislation would require extensive disclosure and labeling of AI-generated content, as well as prohibit media organizations from using AI in ways that could lead to worker displacement or the transfer of duties previously performed by employees.

Why it matters

The bill is seen as an attempt by some progressives to leverage fears about AI in order to protect current media industry jobs and business models, even as technological advancements could allow for more efficient and cost-effective content creation. Critics argue the legislation would stifle innovation, violate free speech protections, and threaten New York's status as a media capital by making news and entertainment production prohibitively expensive compared to other states.

The details

The proposed New York bill defines 'news media' broadly to include any publication or programming that provides news, weather, sports or entertainment. It would require companies to fully disclose to workers when and how generative AI is used, as well as conspicuously label any content 'substantially created' by AI. Most controversially, the legislation prohibits the 'discharge' or 'displacement' of workers, or the transfer of duties previously performed by employees, due to the use of generative AI systems.

  • The bill was introduced in the New York state legislature on February 22, 2026.

The players

New York State Legislature

The state legislative body that is considering the proposed bill to regulate AI use by news media companies.

Unions

Labor organizations that are backing the New York bill, which aims to protect current media industry jobs from being impacted by AI advancements.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The New York state legislature will continue to debate and consider the proposed bill regulating AI use by news media companies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between technological innovation and the desire by some to protect existing jobs and business models, even if it means restricting the use of new tools like AI. The outcome of this legislation could set an important precedent for how states approach regulating emerging technologies in the media industry.