Russian Parliament Restricts Use of AI Avatars in Election Campaigns

© Госдума РФ

The State Duma has passed in the second and final reading a law regulating the use of artificial intelligence technologies in election campaigns. The new legislation introduces a mandatory requirement for written consent from citizens for the use of their image or voice created through AI.

Under the new rules, such materials can only be used if they involve an adult Russian citizen who has previously confirmed their consent to the use of their likeness or speech.

The law also includes specific provisions for election participants. Political parties will be allowed to use AI-generated images and voices of their candidates. Similarly, candidates themselves will have the right to use digital versions of their own image and voice, including in materials intended for a broad audience without a specific target group.

The adopted amendments are aimed at limiting the misuse of technologies, including the creation of deepfakes, and are intended to increase the transparency of election campaigns.