In a major step toward regulating artificial intelligence and protecting creative professionals, the Punjab government has prepared the Punjab Performers Digital Identity and Artificial Intelligence Protection Act, 2026.
The proposed law aims to safeguard artists from AI-generated impersonation, deepfakes and unauthorized commercial use of their digital identities.
The Punjab government has drafted what is being described as a landmark law to protect the digital identity of performers in the province.
Under the proposed Punjab Performers Digital Identity and Artificial Intelligence Protection Act, 2026, artists’ voices, faces and identities can no longer be used through artificial intelligence without their explicit permission. The legislation introduces strict regulations on AI cloning, voice replication and deepfake technology.
Written consent to become mandatory
According to the proposed bill, transparency and permission will be mandatory for all AI-related uses involving performers.
The law proposes a complete ban on the unauthorized use of artists’ voices and faces through AI. Before any AI-generated use of an artist’s identity, clear, written and specific consent from the performer will be required.
No digital copy, replica or AI-generated version of an artist will be permitted without the artist’s approval. The bill further states that an artist’s voice, face and identity will require legal authorization before any commercial use.
Digital identity to gain legal property status
One of the most significant provisions of the proposed legislation is the recognition of an artist’s digital identity as legally protected property.
This would provide performers with stronger ownership rights over their likeness, voice and digital presence, creating a new legal framework for protecting creative professionals in the digital era.
Separate contracts, compensation
The proposed law makes separate compensation and contractual agreements mandatory for any AI-generated performance involving an artist.
This means artists would be entitled to dedicated financial arrangements whenever their digital identity is used through artificial intelligence technologies.
Strict penalties for misuse, fake endorsements
The bill proposes severe punishment for fake endorsements, fabricated advertisements and political messages created through AI using an artist’s identity.
Any violation of performers’ rights could result in fines worth crores of rupees rather than lakhs. In addition, the unauthorized use of AI involving an artist’s identity could lead to up to three years in prison along with hefty financial penalties.
The legislation also seeks strict action against fake verification and impersonation carried out through AI-generated content.
Mandatory AI disclosures
To improve transparency, the bill requires a clear disclaimer whenever AI-generated content is used.
This provision is intended to help audiences distinguish between authentic content and material created or altered through artificial intelligence technologies.
Special protection for minors, deceased artists
The proposed law includes additional safeguards for artists under the age of 18. Special legal protections and parental consent would be mandatory before any AI-related use of a minor performer’s digital identity.
The legislation also extends protection to deceased artists, preserving and safeguarding their digital identities for 25 years after their death.
New regulatory framework for AI and media
The bill introduces new legal boundaries and regulations for the AI industry and media sector operating in Punjab.
As part of the proposed framework, a Digital Rights Registry would be established in the province to record, manage and protect performers’ digital rights.
Officials say the legislation could set a new precedent for protecting artists’ rights in the digital age and become one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks addressing AI-generated content in Pakistan.
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