Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Another AI regulation bill is progressing through the legislative committee process, this one requiring disclaimers on political ads if they include “deepfake” elements showing another candidate engaging in speech or activities they did not actually perform.
Titled the “Transparency for Deepfakes in Political Advertising Act”, HB1513 would amend the section of Tennessee code detailing required disclaimers for political advertising to include a subdivision necessitating specific verbiage for disclaimers on ads which use deepfake materials.
Per the bill, any audio communications for political advertising using deepfakes must state, “This communication contains fake content impersonating speech that did not occur,” at both the beginning and end of the communication.
Video ads will require a similar disclaimer depicted for the duration of the video which reads, “This communication contains fake content depicting actions that did not occur,” or “This communication contains fake content depicting actions and speech that did not occur,” depending on whether the video contains only visual media or includes audio.
Violations would constitute a Class C misdemeanor, and the affected candidate would be entitled to damages and relief.
During the meeting of the House Elections & Campaign Finance subcommittee on Tuesday, Feb. 17, bill sponsor Rep. Jason Zachary noted that broadcasting companies Verizon and Comcast had approached him and asked for a small change in the bill’s language, but he did not specify what those changes were. He said he agreed to bring the amendment to the full committee for consideration if it was passed out of the subcommittee.
During discussion, Democrat Rep. Jason Powell said he recognized the need for the bill but expressed concern that it did not fully prohibit the use of deepfakes and that its passage might unknowingly encourage people to inappropriately use deepfakes and just simply slap on the disclaimer.
Rep. Zacharay concurred this is a broader issue that potentially merits further action down the line and emphasized his bill “is a first step, and definitely more conversation is needed.”
The final vote was a unanimous 7-0 with Powell joining subcommittee Republicans to vote “Yes”.
HB1513 will now proceed to the full House State & Local Government Committee. The Senate companion, SB1624 is scheduled to appear in the Senate State & Local Government Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
If you have thoughts on this bill, use the information below to contact the Senate committee members:
Sen.richard.briggs@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.tom.hatcher@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.richard.briggs@capitol.tn.gov; sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.tom.hatcher@capitol.tn.gov; sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ed.jackson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov; sen.adam.lowe@capitol.tn.gov; sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Thanx, emailed committee, “Please don’t kill this!”