MS SB2577: Digitizations; create a criminal penalty for the wrongful dissemination of.

In one paragraph

Mississippi's SB 2577 (Chapter 467, Laws of 2024) creates a crime of wrongful dissemination of digitizations: realistic images or audio altered or created with software, machine learning, AI or other computer-generated means (deepfakes) that a reasonable person would believe show real speech or conduct. Knowingly disseminating one within 90 days of an election, without consent and to injure a candidate, influence the result or deter voting, carries up to one year and $5,000, or up to five years and $10,000 if meant to incite violence or after a prior conviction. Officials, the depicted person, candidates and parties may seek injunctions. Effective July 1, 2024.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Campaigns and political advertisers must avoid or clearly label AI deepfakes of candidates in the 90 days before Mississippi elections.

Key provisions

1. 1Digitization: realistic image or audio altered or created with software, machine learning, AI or other computer-generated means
2. 2Crime to knowingly disseminate a digitization within 90 days of an election without consent and with intent to injure a candidate, influence the election or deter voting
3. 3Up to 1 year and $5,000; up to 5 years and $10,000 with intent to incite violence or deter voting, or a prior conviction within five years
4. 4Injunctions (including removal orders) available to the Attorney General, district attorneys, depicted individuals, candidates and political parties
5. 5Defense: clear and prominent statement throughout that the depicted individual did not engage in the speech or conduct
6. 6Exemptions include interactive computer service providers

Latest legislative action

Apr 30, 2024. Approved by Governor April 30, 2024 (Chapter 467); effective July 1, 2024