Creates the deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media in election communications chapter to regulate the use of synthetic media in elections.
If enacted, S0816 will amend Title 17 of the General Laws concerning 'Elections' by creating a new chapter focused specifically on synthetic media. The bill grants candidates the right to seek legal recourse, including damages and injunctive relief, if their likeness is used in synthetic media without proper disclosure. This could significantly alter how campaign advertisements are created and force entities involved in political communications to be more precise in their use of digital media, thereby impacting the overall landscape of electioneering in the state.
Bill S0816 seeks to address the rising concerns over the use of synthetic media in election communications by introducing a framework to regulate deceptive and fraudulent uses of such media. The legislation defines synthetic media as images, audio, or video that have been digitally manipulated to create misleading representations of candidates or their statements. Within 90 days preceding an election, it prohibits candidates and their associated committees from distributing synthetic media that they know or should reasonably know is deceptive. This measure is aimed at preserving the integrity of electoral campaigns and ensuring that voters are not misled by manipulated content.
A notable point of contention surrounding S0816 is the balance it seeks to achieve between regulating deceptive practices and protecting legitimate uses of media for commentary or satire. Certain exemptions are outlined in the bill, such as protections for traditional news outlets that report on candidacies or political events, provided they disclose the nature of the synthetic media. Critics of the bill may argue that it could lead to restrictions on free speech or inadvertently hinder political discourse, especially in an age where digital content plays a central role in elections.