New York could become the first state to regulate how news organizations use artificial intelligence. The Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Requirements (FAIR) in News Act passed both chambers of the state Legislature in June. It now awaits action from the governor.
The bill requires news content "substantially" created by generative AI to carry a clear label at the top of the page, image or video. Audio content would need a spoken announcement at the start of the recording.
What the Bill Would Require
The New York attorney general would enforce the law with subpoena power. Civil fines would be $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for later ones.
The attorney general could also ask a court to stop continued publication of content that breaks the rules.
The bill defines "news media" broadly. It covers any publication or programming that provides news, weather, traffic, sports or entertainment reports, from major broadcasters to independent newsletters and podcasts.
Supporters call the bill a transparency measure that will restore public trust in journalism. The text says government "has a strong interest in the preservation of human news work" and points to protecting newsroom jobs.
Critics Raise Legal and Practical Concerns
An opinion piece published Oct. 1 by Spence Purnell of the R Street Institute, a policy think tank, argued against the bill. Purnell called the mandate unworkable and constitutionally suspect.
He pointed to U.S. Supreme Court rulings that bar government from intruding on the editorial process. New York publishers and broadcasters, joined by technology and civil-society groups, raised the same warning with lawmakers.
The bill does not define what makes content "substantially" AI-generated. Editors may not know whether tools used for transcription, translation or summaries cross the line.
The bill has one exemption. Content eligible for copyright registration would not need a label.
Federal guidance says works with AI-generated material can be copyrighted if they show enough human authorship. That decision is made case by case.
Purnell argued that newsrooms facing fines may label everything or stop using AI. He said small local outlets would be hit hardest because they cannot afford compliance teams and legal costs.
He cited data showing that in 2023, about 70 percent of surveyed journalists said their organizations used generative AI. Common uses included transcribing interviews, drafting headlines and translating coverage.
No other state has a law on how newsrooms use AI. States have been active on AI rules in general, though.
More than 1,200 AI-related bills were introduced in 2025, the first year every state introduced at least one. More than 1,500 more were introduced by March of this year.
Purnell noted that major media platforms have begun using AI detection tools. Major outlets and industry groups have also published their own AI standards.
The FAIR in News Act now sits with the governor. If it is signed, New York would be the first state to regulate AI use in newsrooms.
