Punjab to introduce law against AI deepfakes, unauthorized voice and face cloning

The Punjab government has prepared landmark legislation aimed at protecting artists from unauthorized use of artificial intelligence, introducing strict penalties for AI-generated deepfakes, voice cloning and misuse of digital identities.

The proposed Punjab Performers Digital Identity and Artificial Intelligence Protection Act, 2026 seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the use of AI-generated content and the protection of performers' digital rights.

Under the proposed law, the unauthorised use of an artist's voice, face or digital likeness through artificial intelligence will be completely prohibited. Any individual or organisation seeking to use AI to replicate a performer's identity will be required to obtain clear, written and specific consent from the artist beforehand.

The legislation recognises an artist's digital identity as legally protected property, granting performers greater control over how their likeness is used in commercial and digital content.

Officials said the bill would introduce strict regulations on AI voice cloning and deepfake technology, requiring transparency in the creation and distribution of AI-generated content. A clear disclaimer indicating the use of artificial intelligence will be mandatory for digital content produced using such technologies.

The proposed law also requires separate compensation agreements and contracts for AI-generated performances. No digital copy, replica or AI-generated version of an artist's identity may be used without prior consent.

In a move aimed at preventing misinformation and manipulation, the bill proposes strict punishment for the creation or distribution of fake endorsements, advertisements or political messages generated through artificial intelligence using an artist's identity.

Violations of the proposed law could result in penalties ranging from fines worth crores of rupees to imprisonment. Officials said the legislation proposes up to three years in jail and substantial financial penalties for unauthorised use of AI-generated likenesses.

Special protections have also been included for performers under the age of 18. The bill makes parental consent mandatory before any AI-based use of a minor artist's voice, image or digital identity.

The legislation further seeks to protect the rights of deceased performers by preserving their digital identities for 25 years after death, ensuring that their likeness cannot be commercially exploited without authorisation during that period.

As part of the new regulatory framework, the government plans to establish a digital rights registry in Punjab to document and safeguard performers' digital identities and ownership rights.

Officials said the proposed law would set new legal boundaries for the AI industry, media organisations and content creators, while establishing transparency, accountability and consent as central principles for the use of artificial intelligence in the province.

The government believes the legislation will create a new precedent for protecting artists' rights in the digital age and position Punjab among the leading jurisdictions addressing the challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies.