Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1655

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Report Pass: 2/22/24
• Engrossed: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/25/24

Caption

Elections; prohibiting distribution of certain media within certain time period; establishing requirements for certain disclosures. Effective date.

Impact

Upon enactment, SB1655 will amend existing election laws to specifically regulate the use and dissemination of synthetic media that could misleadingly influence voters. It sets a time frame of 90 days prior to any election during which the distribution of such manipulated media is restricted unless proper disclosures are made. This change is expected to bolster voter protection by reducing the circulation of misleading information and enhancing transparency regarding the authenticity of media related to candidates.

Summary

SB1655 aims to address the emerging issue of synthetic media manipulation in the context of elections by prohibiting the distribution of deceptive and fraudulent deepfakes of political candidates or parties during a critical period leading up to elections. This legislation specifies that any party found distributing synthetic media that misrepresents candidates must do so with a clear disclaimer indicating the material's deceptive nature. The intent is to protect the electoral process from misinformation and maintain the integrity of political discourse.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1655 appears to be generally supportive among those prioritizing election integrity and the fight against misinformation. Advocates of the bill believe it is a necessary step to safeguard voters against deceptive practices that could distort the electoral process. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications for free speech and the potential for overreach in regulating media content, which opponents may argue could infringe on legitimate discourse and creativity.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1655 include debates over the definition of what constitutes a 'deceptive and fraudulent deepfake' and the potential challenges of enforcing such regulations without infringing upon rights to free speech. Critics may argue that such measures could stifle creativity in digital media or lead to excessive censorship. Moreover, there is concern about ensuring that exemptions for genuine media reporting, satire, or parody are clearly delineated to avoid negative impacts on honest journalism.