North Carolina Lacked AI Political Ad Regulations

The state has not passed laws requiring disclosure for AI-generated political campaign advertisements.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a stylized stone dome silhouette, representing the North Carolina legislative policy gap. — North Carolina remains without mandated disclosure laws for AI-generated political campaign advertisements, as legislative efforts to regulate digital content have stalled in the General Assembly. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should political candidates be required by law to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in ads?

North Carolina has not enacted regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigning, leaving the state without mandated disclosure rules. While other states have moved to regulate these digital materials, North Carolina lawmakers have failed to reach an agreement on such requirements.

Why it matters

The absence of clear state laws allows campaigns to use AI-generated images and videos of opponents without mandatory transparency. This has prompted debate as legislative attempts to mandate disclosures have stalled within the General Assembly.

Thirty-one states currently have enacted regulations governing AI in political ads. In North Carolina, House Bill 375 and proposed amendments to House Bill 301 were unsuccessful in implementing similar oversight.

The players

Michael Lee

He is a Republican state Senator in North Carolina who utilized an AI-generated advertisement during a state Senate race in New Hanover County.

Jessica Bichler

She sent a cease-and-desist letter to Michael Lee regarding the use of an AI-generated advertisement in a political campaign.

The details

Campaigns in the state have utilized artificial intelligence to generate images and videos of opponents, sparking controversy. Legislative efforts to mandate disclosures, including House Bill 375 and amendments to House Bill 301, were blocked or failed to receive committee hearings under Republican leadership.

Last year, lawmakers sponsored House Bill 375 to address AI disclosure.
Earlier this year, the legislature rejected Democratic amendments to HB 301.
As of September 21, 2026, no state regulations have been enacted.

The Tech Race

North Carolina marks a departure from the pattern set by the 31 states identified in the National Conference of State Legislatures AI in Elections tracking. This legislative gap highlights a wider struggle to modernize election laws to account for the rapid evolution of generative AI tools.

The absence of regulation means voters may encounter AI-generated content in political ads without official disclaimers informing them of its origin. Residents should remain aware that digital media in campaign advertisements may not be subject to state-mandated transparency standards.

The takeaway

The lack of local oversight places the burden of scrutiny on the individual voter when evaluating digital campaign materials. Maintaining media literacy remains the primary way to navigate the evolving landscape of political advertising in the absence of state-mandated disclosure laws.