The Alaska State Legislature convened on January 22, 2025, to introduce Senate Bill 2, a legislative measure aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding the use of deepfake technology in election-related communications. The bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for the disclosure of deepfakes, ensuring that voters are informed about the authenticity of the content they encounter during election cycles.

Key provisions of Senate Bill 2 mandate that any election-related communication containing a deepfake must include a disclosure statement that remains visible throughout the entirety of the communication. For audio communications, the bill requires that the disclosure be read at the beginning, end, and at intervals during the audio if it exceeds two minutes. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the removal of these disclosure statements by individuals who are aware or should reasonably be aware that the content includes a deepfake.

Violations of these provisions could result in liability for damages to candidates or proposition groups, including the recovery of reasonable attorney fees and costs. The bill also allows affected parties to seek injunctive relief to prevent the dissemination of misleading communications.

Notably, the bill includes exceptions for deepfakes that are classified as satire or parody, those broadcast by news providers with appropriate disclosures, and communications made by individuals paid to broadcast election-related content. The definition of a deepfake within the bill encompasses any manipulated image, audio, or video that creates a realistic but false representation of an individual.

The introduction of Senate Bill 2 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding the implications of deepfake technology on electoral integrity and public trust. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to protect voters from misinformation, while critics raise concerns about potential overreach and the challenges of enforcing such regulations.

As the legislative process unfolds, experts suggest that the bill could set a precedent for how states address the intersection of technology and election integrity. The outcome of Senate Bill 2 may influence future legislative efforts aimed at safeguarding democratic processes in an increasingly digital landscape. The next steps will involve committee reviews and potential amendments as lawmakers continue to navigate the complexities of this pressing issue.