The Recording Academy’s advocacy for the NO FAKES Act — landmark legislation designed to protect artists against AI-generated digital replicas — took center stage again on May 21, with a major U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing titled “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: AI-Generated Deepfakes in 2025.”
The hearing explored the growing impact of generative AI on artists' careers, reputations, and personal autonomy, building on momentum from the bill’s reintroduction earlier this spring. Among the key witnesses was 14-time GRAMMY nominee Martina McBride, who testified alongside representatives from the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Consumer Reports, RIAA, and YouTube.
McBride emphasized how the NO FAKES Act would empower individuals to control how their voices and likenesses are used, stating: “The NO FAKES Act would give each of us the ability to say when and how AI deepfakes of our voices and likenesses can be used. If someone doesn’t ask before posting a harmful deepfake, we can have it removed without jumping through unnecessary hoops or going to court.”
Throughout the hearing, senators expressed strong support for advancing legislation that strengthens protections for creators, establishes clear guidelines for platforms, and shields consumers from fraud and deception fueled by AI-generated deepfakes.
The Recording Academy’s push for the NO FAKES Act gained significant momentum during GRAMMYs on the Hill 2025, the Academy’s premier advocacy event held April 9–11 in Washington, D.C. There, the Academy jointly hosted a press conference with Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Maria Salazar (R-FL), announcing the bill’s reintroduction. They were joined by leaders from the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), SAG-AFTRA, Warner Music Group, and YouTube to champion the bill.
The press conference was part of GRAMMYs on the Hill’s three-day event, which brought music creators and lawmakers together to advance legislation that protects creators’ rights through the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, Advocacy Day, and the Future Forum. Throughout Advocacy Day, Recording Academy members — including 2025 GRAMMYs on the Hill honoree Randy Travis — met with legislators to stress the urgent need to safeguard artists' voices, likenesses, and creative works as generative artificial intelligence technology rapidly evolves.
Read more: How The 2025 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards Fought To Promote, Protect & Preserve Music
If passed, the NO FAKES Act would establish the first-ever federal right of publicity, shielding creators from the unauthorized use and creation of AI-generated replicas — a critical step as artificial intelligence reshapes the music and entertainment industries.
“The Academy is proud to represent and serve creators, and for decades, GRAMMYs on the Hill has brought music makers to our nation’s capital to elevate the policy issues affecting our industry,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. at the press conference. “Today’s reintroduction of the NO FAKES Act underscores our members’ commitment to advocating for the music community. As we enter a new era of technology, we must create guardrails around AI and ensure it enhances — not replaces — human creativity.”
The Recording Academy has been a vocal advocate for the NO FAKES Act since its initial draft release in 2023, working closely with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure the legislation includes robust safeguards for creators. The Academy’s work is supported by the Human Artistry CampAIgn, launched in 2023 to promote responsible development and use of AI that complements — rather than replaces — human creativity and cultural expression.
Since its reintroduction, the NO FAKES Act has gained additional bipartisan and bicameral support, culminating in the recent U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing where McBride concluded her testimony with a powerful call to action:
“Setting America on the right course to develop the world’s best AI while preserving the sacred qualities that make our country so special — authenticity, integrity, humanity, and our endlessly inspiring spirit — that’s what the NO FAKES Act will help to accomplish. I urge you to pass the bill now.”
As AI continues to reshape the creative landscape, the Recording Academy remains committed to ensuring that music creators — and their voices — are protected and empowered.
Read more: Key Music Bills To Watch In The 119th Congress: The Recording Academy’s Legislative Priorities
