Punjab Proposes Strict Law Against AI Cloning and Deepfakes, Multi-Million Rupee Fines Suggested

The Punjab government has prepared a landmark draft law aimed at protecting artists from the unauthorized use of their voice, face, and digital identity through artificial intelligence technologies.

Under the proposed Punjab Performers Digital Identity and Artificial Intelligence Protection Act 2026, explicit written consent will be required before using an artist’s voice, image, or likeness through AI-generated content.

The draft legislation seeks to legally recognize performers’ digital identities as protected intellectual property and regulate their commercial use.

The bill introduces strict regulations on deepfakes, voice cloning, AI-generated impersonations, and misleading digital content. It also requires clear disclosure whenever artificial intelligence is used in creating content.

Violators could face multi-million rupee fines and imprisonment of up to three years under the proposed law.

Special protections have also been proposed for performers under the age of 18, requiring parental or guardian consent before any digital use of their identity.

In addition, the law would extend legal protection to the digital identities of deceased performers for up to 25 years after their death.

The draft also proposes the establishment of a Digital Rights Registry in Punjab to maintain records of performers’ digital identities and ownership rights.

Government officials say the legislation represents a major step toward protecting artists’ rights in the digital age while ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence technologies.