Rhode Island

AI Policy Overview

Rhode Island lawmakers enacted a resolution in 2023 requesting that the Department of Administration and the Office of Information Technology review and evaluate the use and development of artificial intelligence and automated decision systems and provide recommendations regarding ongoing and upcoming plans to expand their use and current security and implementation procedures.

In 2024, Governor McKee (D) issued an executive order establishing an AI Center of Excellence to promote AI policy and procedures and improve state operations. The order also establishes an AI Task Force to assess risks and opportunities and provides for the development of AI training and education opportunities.  

In 2025, Rhode Island lawmakers enacted two deepfake bills, one addressing political deepfakes and another addressing sexual deepfakes.  

Deepfakes

Political Deepfakes

In 2025, Rhode Island lawmakers enacted a law (RI HB 5872/SB 816) that prohibits distributing synthetic media 90 days before an election without a disclosure stating the media was manipulated or generated by AI. 

Sexual Deepfakes

In 2025, Rhode Island lawmakers enacted a law (RI HB 5046/SB 136) amending existing law to clarify that the crime of unauthorized dissemination of indecent material includes digitally altered images created without the consent of the person being depicted.

Legislative & Regulatory History

  • 2025 - Rhode Island enacted RI HB 5872/SB 816, which prohibits political communications with synthetic media within 90 days of an election without a disclosure.

  • 2025 - Rhode Island enacted RI HB 5046/SB 136, which criminalizes unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another without their consent.

  • 2024 - Gov. McKee issued Executive Order 24-06 on Feb. 29, 2024, establishing an AI Center of Excellence to promote AI policy and procedures and an AI Task Force to assess risks and opportunities.

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