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AGENCY TESTIMONY

Discussion of Intro 293 - Prohibiting deceptive AI-generated content in local elections

0:28:48

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Paul Seamus Ryan discusses Intro 293, sponsored by Council Member Menin, which aims to prohibit the sharing of manipulated media that falsely depicts local candidates' speech or actions within 60 days of a city election.

The bill is intended to protect the integrity of the local democratic process and uphold public trust
The CFB notes the unsettled legal landscape surrounding similar legislation in other states, with several laws facing First Amendment challenges
While supportive of the bill's intent, the CFB suggests that the current draft may face similar constitutional challenges
The agency offers to provide recommendations to help develop the strongest, most legally defensible version of the bill

Paul Seamus Ryan

0:28:48

Next, I would like to discuss intro 293 sponsored by council member Menon.

0:28:52

This bill prohibits sharing within 60 days of a city election, manipulated media that falsely depicts a local candidate's speech or actions as genuine, intending to influence election outcomes or harm the candidate's reputation.

0:29:06

The CFB is deeply committed to working alongside the council to protect the integrity of our local democratic process and uphold public trust.

0:29:14

While this bill does not create any mandates on the CFB, I do want to note the unsettled legal landscape surrounding this issue across the country.

0:29:22

19 states have enacted legislation seeking to address this issue, and several have been challenged in courts on First Amendment grounds, including laws in California, Texas, and Minnesota.

0:29:32

This statute, as drafted, may face similar constitutional challenges.

0:29:32

We would be happy to recommendations to the council to ensure the strongest, most legally defensible version of this bill is developed.

0:29:39

Resolution 189, sponsored by council member Ng, is of great importance to the CFB.

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