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AI Summary
SB571 expands defamation laws to include synthetic media, making misuse for fraud a Class 1 misdemeanor and allowing civil actions. The bill also mandates a study on enforcement.
Business Impact
If you create synthetic media, ensure it's not used for fraud to avoid legal penalties.
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
What This Means
Virginia's SB571 addresses synthetic media, including deepfakes, by expanding defamation laws. It penalizes deceptive media used in fraud, permits civil suits for damages, and requires a study on enforcement.
Key Provisions
- Expands defamation laws to include synthetic media.
- Classifies the creation or use of deceptive media for fraud as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- Allows individuals depicted in deceptive media to file civil actions for damages.
- Creates a rebuttable presumption for deceptive media used in fraud.
- Directs the Attorney General to study enforcement of laws related to deceptive media.
Latest Legislative Action
Left in Courts of Justice
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Adam P. Ebbin | Primary |
| Adam P. Ebbin | Primary |
| Bill R. DeSteph, Jr. | Primary |
| Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr. | Primary |
| Siobhan S. Dunnavant | Primary |
| Stephen D. Newman | Primary |
| Frank M. Ruff, Jr. | Cosponsor |
| Jennifer B. Boysko D | Cosponsor |
| Jennifer B. Boysko D | Cosponsor |
| Joseph D. Morrissey | Cosponsor |
Roll Call Votes
14 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Ensure that any synthetic media created or used is not deceptive.
Who: Businesses and individuals creating or using synthetic media.
Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor for violations.
Who: Businesses and individuals creating or using synthetic media.
Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor for violations.
Be prepared to defend against claims of deceptive media use.
Who: Individuals and businesses involved in media production.
Penalty: Potential civil liability for damages.
Who: Individuals and businesses involved in media production.
Penalty: Potential civil liability for damages.
Related & Companion Bills
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Official Bill Text
View SB571 on official legislature website →
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