LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada lawmakers are proposing new regulations on campaign materials created with artificial intelligence or computer-developed artificial videos, also known as deepfakes.
Four assemblymembers have sponsored AB 271, which would require any videos or audio using deepfakes of a candidate to include clear disclaimers within 90 days of an election.
The bill contains exceptions for news reports, commentary, and satire or parody.
A deepfake is defined as “synthetic media” meant to harm a candidate’s reputation by depicting them doing or saying something that never happened.
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AB 271 also requires campaign materials to include a disclosure if it features a “materially deceptive depiction of the candidate” or if it uses artificial intelligence.
The bill defines such a depiction as a manipulation of a candidates physical appearance or a visible change to the quality of a candidate’s image.
Under the bill, anyone who violates these provisions could be found guilty of a criminal misdemeanor. Candidates depicted in deepfakes could also pursue an injunction and damages in district court.
Laws regulating deepfakes and AI in elections are becoming more common. Twenty other states recently passed similar laws to regulate the use of synthetic media in campaigns, though some only limit penalties to civil action, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
A third section of the bill would ban the use of artificial intelligence in ballot processing or counting. That would include electronic devices used to check signatures on mail ballots.
A hearing for AB 271 has not yet been scheduled.