Vermont House approves S 23 to regulate synthetic media disclosures in elections
May 31, 2025 | HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The Vermont Legislature convened on May 31, 2025, for a House session focused on significant legislative matters, including a contentious bill concerning synthetic media in elections. The session began with a vote on a Senate proposal, which was approved despite dissent from some members who expressed concerns about its implications for cannabis promotion.
The primary focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 23, which addresses the use of synthetic media in elections. The bill mandates that any deceptive or fraudulent synthetic media—defined as content created or manipulated using artificial intelligence—must include a disclosure statement if published within 90 days of an election. This legislation aims to protect the integrity of elections by ensuring voters can distinguish between genuine and manipulated content.
During discussions, a member from Charlotte highlighted a troubling incident from a neighboring state where a deepfake audio recording misled voters by impersonating a presidential candidate. This incident underscored the urgency of the bill, as the rapid advancement of technology makes it increasingly difficult to discern real from artificial content.
The committee on government operations and military affairs, which reviewed the bill, recommended its passage with a vote of 6-4-1. The bill does not restrict free speech but requires transparency regarding the origins of synthetic media. Proponents argued that it is essential for maintaining democratic integrity, while opponents raised concerns about potential overreach and the implications for free expression.
An amendment was proposed to clarify the definitions within the bill, ensuring that images created using AI are included under the same regulations as audio and video content. This amendment was approved unanimously.
Throughout the session, members interrogated the bill's provisions, particularly regarding exemptions for news outlets and the responsibilities of those creating and distributing synthetic media. Some legislators questioned the adequacy of the bill in addressing potential abuses, while others emphasized the need for proactive measures to safeguard democracy against misinformation.
The session concluded with a call for a vote on the amended bill, reflecting a commitment to adapt legislative measures in response to evolving technological challenges. The outcome of this vote will determine the next steps in regulating synthetic media in Vermont's electoral processes.
The primary focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 23, which addresses the use of synthetic media in elections. The bill mandates that any deceptive or fraudulent synthetic media—defined as content created or manipulated using artificial intelligence—must include a disclosure statement if published within 90 days of an election. This legislation aims to protect the integrity of elections by ensuring voters can distinguish between genuine and manipulated content.
During discussions, a member from Charlotte highlighted a troubling incident from a neighboring state where a deepfake audio recording misled voters by impersonating a presidential candidate. This incident underscored the urgency of the bill, as the rapid advancement of technology makes it increasingly difficult to discern real from artificial content.
The committee on government operations and military affairs, which reviewed the bill, recommended its passage with a vote of 6-4-1. The bill does not restrict free speech but requires transparency regarding the origins of synthetic media. Proponents argued that it is essential for maintaining democratic integrity, while opponents raised concerns about potential overreach and the implications for free expression.
An amendment was proposed to clarify the definitions within the bill, ensuring that images created using AI are included under the same regulations as audio and video content. This amendment was approved unanimously.
Throughout the session, members interrogated the bill's provisions, particularly regarding exemptions for news outlets and the responsibilities of those creating and distributing synthetic media. Some legislators questioned the adequacy of the bill in addressing potential abuses, while others emphasized the need for proactive measures to safeguard democracy against misinformation.
The session concluded with a call for a vote on the amended bill, reflecting a commitment to adapt legislative measures in response to evolving technological challenges. The outcome of this vote will determine the next steps in regulating synthetic media in Vermont's electoral processes.
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