Kansas House Bill HB2559

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24
• Refer: 1/22/24
• Report Pass: 2/12/24

Caption

Relating to the crime of corrupt political advertising; regulating the use; of generative artificial intelligence; requiring disclosure that an image or speech has been manipulated ; making it a crime to create false representations of candidates in campaign media or of state officials; providing that liability shall rest solely with the advertiser and not with any broadcaster or media platform.

Impact

The implementation of HB2559 will significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding political advertising and campaign media in Kansas. It introduces specific requirements for disclosures related to synthesized media, aiming to combat misinformation and protect the integrity of elections. If enacted, this bill will impose stricter regulations on how candidates and political organizations present information to voters, ensuring that any manipulation of images, videos, or audio is clearly communicated to the public.

Summary

House Bill 2559 addresses the issue of corrupt political advertising by prohibiting the use of generative artificial intelligence to create false representations of candidates or state officials in any election campaign communications. It amends existing laws regarding corrupt political advertising and specifies that those responsible for such deceptive content can be charged with a class C misdemeanor. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency by requiring that any synthetic media used in these communications include a clear disclosure that the content has been manipulated.

Contention

The bill is likely to provoke discussions on the balance between regulation and free speech in political campaigns. Supporters argue that such measures are necessary to maintain the public's trust in electoral processes and to guard against the deceptive use of technology in politics. However, opponents may express concerns about the potential overreach of regulations that could stifle legitimate campaign strategies and limit creative expression. As generative AI techniques become more prevalent, the definitions and legal implications surrounding 'synthetic media' will be critical points of contention.