Ted Cruz Blocks Senators’ Effort To Pass No Fakes Act

WASHINGTON, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —

Senate Blocks AI Deepfake Bill as Cruz Demands Stronger Free Speech Protections, Delaying Legislation Amid Industry Backing

The bill, which had broad support from Hollywood studios, tech firms like OpenAI and Google/YouTube, and entertainment unions, now faces an indefinite delay as Cruz’s office pushes for revisions before further consideration.

The legislation, designed to give individuals legal control over the use of their voice and likeness in AI-generated content, includes carve-outs for news, documentaries, sports, biographical works, and parody or criticism—categories Cruz contended were too vaguely worded. His objection came despite the bill’s clearance by the Senate Judiciary Committee in June, where he had initially voted in favor but raised concerns about its application to political satire.

Cruz cited examples such as The Babylon Bee and The Onion, satirical outlets that frequently use AI-generated imagery, warning that the bill could empower tech companies to arbitrarily decide whether content qualified as protected speech.

Cruz also highlighted specific cases, including Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt’s AI deepfake of Karen Bass—depicting her as the Joker from Batman—and Donald Trump’s use of AI-generated images in political campaigns, arguing these fell outside the bill’s intended scope. While he expressed support for the bill’s core goals, Cruz insisted his staff would work with sponsors to strengthen free speech protections before any further Senate action.

"One of my concerns is it will apply to websites like The Babylon Bee or The Onion, and it leaves the decision to big tech," he said. "It creates an exception for what it calls bonafide parody, but it leaves to big tech to make the decision whether it falls in that exception or not."

Key sponsors, including Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), defended the bill’s First Amendment compliance, asserting that existing exemptions were robust. Blackburn, a lead sponsor, dismissed Cruz’s objections, stating: "This bill contains the necessary broad exceptions for entire categories of speech.

The protections are there." She added that the legislation included a 14-day judicial review process for disputed content removals, allowing creators to challenge takedowns if they believed their work was protected speech. "If someone believes their content was removed and was protected speech, they can submit a counter notice triggering judicial review," she said. "Otherwise, the content can go right back up."

Coons echoed Blackburn’s urgency, warning against perfectionism stalling progress: "We should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good." The bill’s supporters, including major studios, record labels, and tech companies, had lobbied aggressively for its passage before the Senate’s midterm recess, framing it as essential to combating the rising misuse of AI-generated deepfakes in disinformation campaigns, fraud, and unauthorized commercial exploitation.

While the bill’s immediate future remains uncertain, its delay underscores the tensions between intellectual property rights and free expression in the digital age. Cruz’s stance reflects broader Republican concerns about government or corporate overreach in regulating online content, particularly in politically charged contexts. Meanwhile, industry backers argue that without legislation, deepfake abuses—ranging from fake celebrity endorsements to manipulated political ads—will continue unchecked, posing risks to both public trust and economic stability.

The outcome of Cruz’s negotiations with sponsors will determine whether the No Fakes Act resurfaces in a revised form, potentially before the next congressional session. For now, the bill’s fate hinges on whether lawmakers can reconcile protections for creators and performers with guardrails against censorship risks, a debate that has gained urgency as AI deepfakes proliferate across media, advertising, and politics.

Related: U.S. Senate · Ted Cruz