An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to increase transparency in political advertising by requiring disclosure when synthetic media – such as deepfakes – are used. It seeks to inform voters about whether a video, audio clip, or other media they are seeing or hearing is artificially generated and created for political purposes. The goal is to help people critically evaluate political messages and understand the potential for manipulation.
Key provisions
- Requires disclosure when synthetic media is used in political advertising.
- Defines ‘synthetic media’ for the purpose of the law.
- Specifies how the disclosure should be presented (e.g., a clear label).
- Establishes penalties for failing to comply with disclosure requirements.
- Addresses the use of synthetic media in various forms of political advertising.
- Clarifies the scope of the disclosure requirements to include audio and video content.
- Mandates that the disclosure be prominently displayed.
- Requires the Massachusetts State Election Board to enforce the new rules.
Who is affected
- Political advertisers
- Voters
- Campaign committees
- Political organizations
- The Massachusetts State Election Board
Notable changes
- Introduces specific disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political ads.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
6 on record
Primary sponsor
Bradley H. Jones Jr.
Cosponsors
Bradley H. Jones Jr.
Kimberly N. Ferguson
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