Disclaimer: This page provides general informational summaries only and does not constitute legal advice. AI-generated content may contain errors. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Read full disclaimer →
AI Summary
The bill prohibits the use of deepfakes to influence voters within 90 days of an election, imposing penalties for violations.
Business Impact
If you publish campaign materials in Maryland, you must avoid using deepfakes within 90 days of an election or face misdemeanor charges and fines.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Maryland's HB198 aims to regulate the use of deepfakes in online campaign materials, specifically targeting attempts to influence voter decisions. The bill establishes a clear prohibition on such practices within a critical timeframe leading up to elections. Violators could face misdemeanor charges, highlighting the state's commitment to maintaining election integrity in the digital age.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits the use of deepfakes to influence voter decisions within 90 days of an election.
- Violators may be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Exemptions exist for individuals who disclose specific information about the deepfake.
Latest Legislative Action
Hearing 2/06 at 1:00 p.m.
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 22)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bartlett | Primary |
| Cain | Primary |
| Chang | Primary |
| Charles County Delegation | Primary |
| Chisholm | Primary |
Roll Call Votes
No motion given ·
Apr 8, 2019
46 Yea
0 Nay
1 Other
Passed ✓
On Third Reading ·
Mar 18, 2019
135 Yea
0 Nay
6 Other
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Avoid using deepfakes in campaign materials
Who: Campaign operators and candidates
Deadline: Within 90 days of an election
Penalty: Misdemeanor charges and potential fines
Who: Campaign operators and candidates
Deadline: Within 90 days of an election
Penalty: Misdemeanor charges and potential fines
Full Legal Analysis
HB198 prohibits individuals from willfully or knowingly using deepfakes to influence voters' decisions regarding elections within 90 days of an election. The bill specifies that this prohibition applies to the publication, distribution, or dissemination of deepfakes intended to sway voter behavior. Individuals who violate this law will be guilty of a misdemeanor, which may result in fines and/or imprisonment. The bill also clarifies that the prohibition does not apply to individuals who disclose certain information regarding the deepfake, potentially allowing for transparency in the use of such technology. This legislation reflects a growing trend among states to address the implications of AI technologies in electoral processes, aiming to safeguard the integrity of elections against deceptive practices.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB198 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
More Maryland AI Legislation
HB1065
Coal Combustion By-Product Materials - Grant Program and Procurement …
Medium
HB578
Fish and Wildlife - Endangered and Threatened Species and Migratory B…
Medium
SB114
3-1-1 Systems - Expansion Program and Oversight Board - Establishment
Medium
SB141
Election Law - Election Misinformation, Election Disinformation, and …
High
SB8
Criminal Law - Identity Fraud - Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake …
High
HB145
Election Law - Election Misinformation, Election Disinformation, and …
High
View All MD Laws →
More Maryland AI Laws
Browse all published AI bills and regulations for Maryland.