Sen deepfake video — Oct 2026

The Colorado Secretary of State’s Elections Division is currently investigating a campaign finance complaint involving an AI-generated video that depicts State Senator Cathy Kipp. The complaint, filed by Kipp in August, alleges that the video uses synthetic media to misrepresent her actions and support for a legislative ballot measure without providing the required legal disclosures.

What happened

The Independence Institute, a public policy think tank, released a video on social media featuring an AI-generated version of Senator Cathy Kipp. In the footage, the digital likeness of the senator is portrayed as a grocery store cashier who refuses to provide change to a customer, instead pocketing the money and claiming it should be used for education. The video serves as a metaphor for Kipp’s support of Proposition NN, a ballot measure concerning the retention of taxpayer refunds under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR).

Senator Kipp’s complaint argues that the video depicts her saying and doing things she never actually did and fails to include a clear and conspicuous disclaimer as mandated by House Bill 24-1147, a 2024 law regulating deepfakes in political campaigns. While the video eventually acknowledges its AI origins near the end and displays the Independence Institute logo, it lacks the specific disclosure required by state law.

In response to the complaint, the Independence Institute has defended the video as satire and parody, arguing that it is exempt from disclosure requirements under the law. Jon Caldara, president of the institute, stated that the video is intended to make voters aware of the ballot proposal and maintained that government officials are subject to parody. The Secretary of State’s office noted that the investigation is part of a broader effort to address the risks posed by AI-generated content, which they warn can sow confusion and distrust in the electoral process by impersonating public officials.