Russia prohibits use of photos with fictional, deceased people in political campaigns

The Russian State Duma has approved the general framework of a package of amendments to the country’s electoral legislation, which, among other measures, introduces a ban on the use of images of fictional or deceased individuals—including AI-generated likenesses—in political campaigns.

The proposed restriction immediately drew questions from several deputies of the Communist Party (KPRF), as Russian media outlets point out.

Communist MP Angelika Glazkova asked Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on State Building Dmitry Vyatkin (United Russia), who presented the amendments, why the KPRF, a party founded by Vladimir Lenin, would be prohibited from using his image in its election materials.

Vyatkin clarified that the initiative is aimed at protecting deceased individuals from misuse of their likenesses. He emphasized that AI-generated representations of the dead could seriously harm their honour and dignity, as they can no longer defend themselves. “Believe me, this isn’t about forbidding anyone from anything; it’s about protecting people from unlawful use,” Vyatkin said.

The communist faction also raised concerns about other aspects of the electoral system, including the proposed cancellation of three-day voting and the use of remote electronic voting (DEV). Vyatkin described the latter as “a matter of life and death” for frontline and border regions. KPRF deputies further questioned the measures to digitalize election procedures, such as electronic protocols for vote counting and consolidated electronic tables.

Speaking for his political party, Yuri Sinelshchikov confirmed that the KPRF would not support the package of amendments. Meanwhile, Andrey Kuznetsov of the “Fair Russia” party assured the drafters of his faction’s support but suggested that candidates should still be allowed to use images of their supporters and family members in campaigning.

The amendments passed the first reading with 344 deputies voting in favour, 54 against, and one abstention.

By Nazrin Sadigova