The AI Safety Menu

All laws

Label AI in political ads

Labels on AI in political ads. Political ads must disclose AI-generated content.

Lead costAlmost noneof America's lead over China, over 3 years
No p(doom) effectNonefrom a 5% starting estimate
Holds up○ Training○ Lab's own use○ Public release
Enact it on the menuSee the findings

What it does

Political ads using AI-generated or substantially altered images, audio or video would carry a clear notice such as 'This ad was generated or substantially altered using artificial intelligence.' Minor edits like cropping or color would be exempt.

Applies to: Political advertisers and campaigns.

Where things stand

Label rules exist in many states, e.g., California AB 2355 (in effect Jan 1, 2025) for committee ads. No federal label requirement; the FEC only says existing fraud rules apply to AI.

Why it costs almost no lead

It applies to campaigns, not labs. Under a day.

Biggest unknown: Whether courts will uphold even pure disclosure labels against First Amendment challenges, since bans have already fallen and label rules have not been squarely tested.

Its effect on p(doom)

Tells voters when a political ad uses AI-generated images, video or voices.

Protects elections from deception. Not aimed at catastrophic risk.

The strongest case that it costs more

Courts have struck down some state versions on free-speech grounds, and labels may not change what voters believe.

The debate

For

Against

Sources

Rough starting points, not precise forecasts. Lead costs assume China doesn't depend on U.S. models, the case least favorable to safety laws, and count 3 years. On the menu you can change every assumption and put in your own numbers. Last priced 2026-09-26.