Steve Harvey urges Congress to act against AI-generated scams
What's the story
Hollywood has united to push for legislation to fight the rising threat of AI-generated deepfakes, especially ones using celebrity faces. The problem was highlighted when the voices of celebrities like Steve Harvey, Taylor Swift, and Joe Rogan were replicated by AI to advertise a scam promising government-provided funds. According to CNN, Harvey has since advocated for legislation and penalties for those behind such scams and the host platforms.
Legislative action
Congress considering legislation to penalize AI misuse
In light of the increasing alarm, Congress is looking at a few legislative pieces to punish those responsible for AI's malicious use. This includes an updated version of the No Fakes Act, which is designed to hold creators and platforms accountable for unauthorized AI-generated videos, images, and sound. A bipartisan group of senators intends to bring back this act within the next few weeks, sources told CNN.
Celebrity support
Harvey's concerns and support for legislation
In 2025, Harvey said scams using his likeness were at "an all-time high." "My concern now is the people that it affects. I don't want fans of mine or people who aren't fans to be hurt by something," Harvey said. Harvey supports the proposed legislation, which has gained backing from the Recording Academy, Screen Actors Guild, Motion Picture Association, major talent agencies, and others in Hollywood.
Celebrity concerns
Other celebrities have also voiced concerns over AI deepfakes
Other celebrities have also raised their voices against AI deepfakes. Scarlett Johansson, who has been vocal about AI copying her likeness, said, "It is terrifying that the US government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI." The No Fakes Act seeks to penalize platforms hosting unauthorized AI-generated content, with fines potentially going into millions for viral AI creations.
Criticism
Critics of the bill raise concerns over potential regulation
Despite support for the proposed legislation, critics (including public advocacy groups like Public Knowledge, the Center for Democracy and Technology, the American Library Association, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation) have raised concerns. They warn the bill could introduce too much regulation, endanger First Amendment rights, enable misinformation, and result in a "torrent" of lawsuits. The senators hope to garner support from online platforms before reintroducing it.
AI solutions
Companies like Vermillio AI are helping celebrities spot deepfakes
As Congress debates the proposed legislation, companies like Vermillio AI are stepping in to help celebrities combat AI-generated deepfakes. The company utilizes a platform called TraceID to track AI instances of their clients and automate take-down requests. Vermillio CEO Dan Neely highlighted the rapid increase in deepfake content, stating, "Back in 2018 there were maybe 19,000 pieces of deepfake content. Today, there are roughly a million created every day."