Preventing AI Censorship Act

This bill, known as the Preventing AI Censorship Act, creates a new right of action enabling individuals to sue federal employees who violate their First Amendment rights in connection with artificial intelligence. It holds federal employees liable for "covered conduct" that deprives U.S. citizens of their First Amendment protections, ensuring accountability for actions taken under color of federal authority.

The legislation specifically defines "covered conduct" to include actions where a federal employee coerces or induces an artificial intelligence provider to ban, suppress, or alter content based on viewpoint, partisan affiliation, religious belief, or perceived truth. It also covers modifying AI training data or parameters to filter expression, denying or degrading AI access based on such criteria, or collecting user data for surveillance purposes that chills lawful expression. Furthermore, direct interference with an individual's lawful use of artificial intelligence is prohibited.

The bill clarifies that it does not authorize federal employees to sue their own employers or limit lawful law enforcement activities conducted with a valid warrant or court order. Prevailing parties in such actions, excluding the United States, may be awarded reasonable attorney's fees. This measure aims to safeguard free speech and expression in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence by holding federal actors accountable for potential censorship.