In one paragraph
Not law. Maine's LD 1690 would have required political communications using images, audio or video that have been materially manipulated or altered and contain 'synthetic media' to carry the statement 'THIS COMMUNICATION CONTAINS AUDIO, VIDEO AND/OR IMAGES THAT HAVE BEEN MANIPULATED OR ALTERED.' Violations could draw penalties up to 500% of the expenditure with no 10-day cure, and the Ethics Commission could seek an injunction. The committee voted Ought Not To Pass May 19, 2025; final disposition May 27, 2025. A separate bill, LD 517 (synthetic media in campaign advertising), was enacted as Chapter 593, signed March 23, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died, so it creates no obligations in Maine. A separate enacted bill, LD 517, covers synthetic media in campaign ads.
Key provisions
- Disclosure statement required on communications using materially manipulated or altered media that contains synthetic media (21-A M.R.S. §1014 sub-§5-B)
- Synthetic media: an image, audio or video of an individual's appearance, speech or conduct created or intentionally manipulated with digital technology or in any other manner
- Exceptions for bona fide news coverage acknowledging authenticity questions, good-faith or federally required broadcasts, websites and periodicals that state the content is inaccurate, and satire or parody
- Penalty up to 500% of the expenditure for sub-§5-B violations; the 10-day cure option does not apply (sub-§4)
- The commission may seek injunctive relief in Superior Court and recover costs and attorney fees
- Committee vote Ought Not To Pass May 19, 2025; Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, May 27, 2025
Latest legislative action
May 27, 2025. Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310
Sponsors (showing 5 of 21)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Amy KUHN D | Primary |
| Matthea DAUGHTRY | Primary |
| Russell BLACK R | Primary |
| Troy JACKSON | Primary |
| WADSWORTH | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error