The bipartisan Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling (REAL) Act, introduced by Reps. Bill Foster and Pete Sessions, would require prominent disclaimers on AI-created or AI-manipulated content distributed via official government channels. It would cover federal agency staff as well as the president and vice president while exempting classified materials, non-public releases, and routine internal AI uses. Sponsors say the bill balances agencies' operational needs with the public’s right to transparent communications as AI use by officials grows.
Bipartisan REAL Act Would Force Federal Agencies To Label AI-Generated Content
A bipartisan pair of House lawmakers plans to introduce legislation that would require federal agencies and senior officials to clearly label any content created or altered by artificial intelligence when published through official government channels.
What the Bill Would Do
The Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling (REAL) Act, sponsored by Reps. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) and Pete Sessions (R-Texas), would require a “clear, conspicuous and prominently displayed” disclaimer notifying readers or viewers when material has been created with or manipulated by AI. The mandate applies to officers and employees across federal agencies and explicitly covers the president and vice president.
Exemptions and Routine Uses
Lawmakers included several exemptions. The requirements would not apply to material that is not intended for public release or that is produced for classified purposes. The bill also carves out routine, internal, or minor uses of AI — such as simple graphic or visual elements or AI-assisted text-drafting tools used solely to improve efficiency — so agencies can continue to use AI operationally.
"In an age of disinformation, Americans should be able to trust that information coming from official government sources is legitimate and based in reality," Rep. Foster said. "With the rapid proliferation of AI-generated content, there must be clear guidelines to ensure those at our federal agencies and in our nation’s highest office are not using AI in a way that could purposefully or inadvertently mislead the American public."
Rep. Sessions emphasized that the bill balances transparency with practical agency needs: "This legislation protects agencies’ ability to use AI internally while ensuring that anything released publicly is clearly and consistently labeled. It is a commonsense step to maintain trust and strengthen transparency in government communications."
Context
The proposal arrives amid growing use of AI by elected officials and political campaigns. The coverage cites posts and materials from national and state politicians — including examples involving former and current officeholders — that appear to have been created with AI tools, illustrating why sponsors say clearer disclosure rules are needed for official communications.
Supporters frame the REAL Act as a measure to protect public trust and guard against unintentional or deliberate misinformation originating from official sources. The bill’s fate will depend on deliberation and votes in the House and, if approved, the Senate.
