Bill > SB5817

This bill aims to restrict the use of synthetic media in campaigns for elective office. The key provisions are: 1. It defines "synthetic media" as an image, audio recording, or video recording that has been intentionally manipulated to create a realistic but false depiction of a person's appearance, action, or speech. 2. It prohibits the distribution of electioneering communications containing synthetic media that alters the appearance, action, or speech of a candidate, unless the communication includes a disclosure stating "This (image/video/audio) has been manipulated." 3. It provides guidelines for the format and placement of the required disclosure, such as the text size and duration for visual media, and the frequency for audio-only media. 4. It includes exemptions for certain media, such as bona fide news coverage, paid broadcasts, and satire or parody. 5. It allows candidates whose voice or likeness appears in a synthetic media distributed in violation of this bill to seek injunctive relief or damages against the person or entity responsible for the distribution. The bill also amends existing law to clarify that the responsibility for compliance with the disclosure requirements lies with the sponsor of the political advertising, not the broadcasting station or other medium.