Bill > S2631

This bill proposes to add a new section to Massachusetts law that addresses election misinformation, specifically targeting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic media to spread deceptive content during elections. The legislation defines key terms like "generative artificial intelligence" (AI technology that can create text, audio, images, or video) and "materially deceptive election-related communication" (false information about election dates, voting requirements, candidate endorsements, etc.). Within 90 days of an election, the bill prohibits distributing such communications with the intent to mislead voters, allowing individuals whose likeness or voice is used in these communications to seek legal action for damages. The bill includes several important exceptions, such as protection for interactive service providers, news broadcasts that clearly disclose the manipulated nature of content, and communications that are satire or parody. Individuals or the attorney general can seek injunctive relief to stop the distribution of such communications, and plaintiffs must provide clear and convincing evidence in any legal action. The overall goal is to protect voters from intentionally misleading AI-generated content that could interfere with the electoral process.

Budget and Finance

Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2631