Arkansas House Bill HB1041

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/20/24
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Prohibit Deceptive And Fraudulent Deepfakes In Election Communications.

Impact

If enacted, HB1041 would amend Arkansas Code Title 7, Chapter 6, establishing clear legal guidelines regarding the use of deepfakes in political campaigning. The bill defines prohibited practices and details civil liabilities, including fines for individual offenders based on the severity of their offenses. This legislative measure is positioned to enhance electoral integrity by ensuring that voters have access to fair and accurate representations of candidates, thereby potentially reducing the influence of deceptive tactics in elections.

Summary

House Bill 1041 seeks to prohibit deceptive and fraudulent deepfakes in election communications. This bill introduces specific definitions for what constitutes a 'deceptive and fraudulent deepfake' and puts forth civil penalties for individuals who violate these definitions during an election period. By regulating the use of synthetic media that can alter or generate the speech or likeness of candidates and political parties, the bill aims to protect voters from misinformation and manipulation that could influence electoral outcomes.

Contention

Notably, there are potential areas of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that the definitions of 'deceptive' and 'fraudulent' could be subject to interpretation, raising concerns about personal freedoms and the potential for censorship. Additionally, exceptions in the bill allow certain broadcast entities to utilize such media under specific circumstances, which could spark debates about the fairness and consistency of the regulations across various forms of media. Aspects of free speech and limitations on media may become focal points in discussions as the bill progresses through the legislative process.