Punjab govt drafts landmark AI protection law for artists
Home Legislation introduces safeguards for their digital identities, voices and likenesses in age of Artificial Intelligenc The Punjab government has prepared the draft of the Punjab Performers' Digital Identity and Artificial Intelligence Protection Act 2026, introducing major legal safeguards for artists' digital identities, voices and likenesses in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Under the proposed legislation, an artist's voice, facial image and other digital identifiers would be recognized as protected intellectual property, making their unauthorized use through AI systems illegal. The draft law requires explicit, written and specific consent from performers before any AI-generated performance, voice cloning or digital replica can be created or used. It also mandates clear disclosure whenever AI is used in content production. The bill proposes strict penalties for unauthorized AI use, voice cloning, deepfakes and fake endorsements or political messages generated through AI. Violators could face up to three years in prison and fines worth millions of rupees.
Published: June 12, 2026 8:24 pm
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original