Maryland Senate Bill SB978

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/24
• Refer: 2/2/24
• Report Pass: 3/15/24
• Engrossed: 3/18/24
• Refer: 3/19/24

Caption

Election Law - Synthetic Media - Disclosure and Regulation

Impact

The proposed law would have significant implications for how electoral campaigns communicate with voters, pushing for heightened transparency in campaign advertising. By requiring the disclosure of original media associated with synthetic outputs, the bill seeks to limit misleading representations that might influence voter behavior based on manipulated content. This could potentially reshape practices within campaign strategies and necessitate more rigorous internal controls within media organizations, ensuring strict compliance with the new disclosure regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 978, known as the 'Election Law - Synthetic Media - Disclosure and Regulation,' aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the use of synthetic media in election campaigns. The bill mandates that individuals or entities that publish or distribute synthetic media must disclose the original source material that was altered to create the synthetic content. It establishes new definitions for 'synthetic media' and outlines the responsibilities of news media entities in relation to election-related synthetic media, thus reinforcing the integrity of electoral processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 978 is mixed, with strong support from advocates for election integrity and transparency who view it as a necessary measure in combating misinformation. Conversely, there are concerns among political opponents and some media advocates regarding the potential overreach and the challenges in establishing clear definitions and enforcement mechanisms. The debate reflects a broader tension between the need for regulation in the face of evolving technology and the foundational principles of free speech and expression.

Contention

A point of contention regarding SB 978 is the balance between regulation and freedom of expression. Critics argue that the bill may inadvertently restrict legitimate media activities, especially for news outlets that might utilize synthetic media in reporting. Additionally, there are concerns about the effectiveness of the State Board of Elections in enforcing these new regulations, which could impact the landscape of political communication significantly. The provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance also raise questions about enforcement and fairness in application, particularly in politically charged environments.