Prohibits synthetic media within ninety (90) days of an election.
Impact
Should the bill be enacted, it would affect the distribution of synthetic media used in political campaigns and election communications. By forbidding such deceptive practices shortly before elections, it seeks to ensure that voters are not misled by artificially generated media that could alter their perception of candidates. The legislation includes provisions that allow candidates whose likenesses are misrepresented to seek injunctive relief and damages, thus giving them a mechanism to address grievances related to deceptive media.
Summary
Bill S2456 proposes to amend Rhode Island's election laws by prohibiting the use of deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media within ninety days of an election. The bill defines synthetic media as manipulated images, audio, or video recordings that create a misleading impression of a person's appearance, speech, or conduct. The legislation aims to address concerns regarding the potential for misinformation rising from the use of advanced digital manipulation technologies, especially during sensitive election periods.
Contention
While proponents of S2456 argue it is essential for protecting the electoral process and maintaining voter trust, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of such laws. Critics could argue that defining what constitutes as 'deceptive' or 'fraudulent' might be subjective and could lead to potential censorship. Additionally, the exemptions included in the bill for satire and parody could spark debates about the boundaries of free speech and the implications for legitimate political discourse.