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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Two Republicans have introduced the “Transparency for Deepfakes in Political Advertising Act” which will require political advertisements to have a disclaimer if they include “deepfake” elements impersonating or showing another candidate engaging in speech or activities they did not actually perform.
Sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville-District 14), HB1513 would amend the section of Tennessee code detailing required disclaimers for political advertising to include a new subdivision necessitating specific verbiage for disclaimers on ads which use deepfake materials.
State law defines the term “deepfake” as “videos, images, or audio files that have been generated or manipulated by artificial intelligence in order to realistically portray something that did not actually occur.”
Per this 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.
The bill would remove liability for broadcasters, hosts, third-party producers, or carriers of such communications so long as the person or entity is responsible for the communication.
It also states that if the impersonated or depicted candidate is not an incumbent office holder, the disclaimer requirements would only apply if the communications are distributed within 120 days of the start of voting in an election in which that candidate appears on the ballot.
Violations of the proposed legislation would constitute a Class C misdemeanor and entitles the affected candidate to damages and relief.
HB1513 has been assigned to the House Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee but does not yet have a calendar date.
The senate companion, SB1624, has been filed by Sen. Becky Massey (R-Knoxville-District 6) is still awaiting a committee assignment.
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.
