AI Frontier Institute

A bill for an act relating to the publication of electioneering communications containing synthetic media, and providing penalties.

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Iowa Senate File 2166 (introduced by Senator Salmon) creates a new section 68A.407 requiring anyone who sponsors, publishes, or distributes an electioneering communication containing synthetic media to include a clear and conspicuous disclosure stating 'THIS CONTENT HAS BEEN MANIPULATED OR GENERATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DOES NOT DEPICT REAL EVENTS.' An 'electioneering communication' is defined as published material referring to a clearly identified candidate or ballot issue distributed within 90 days before the relevant election. 'Synthetic media' means materially deceptive images, audio, text, or video created or substantially altered using AI, machine learning, or similar technology. Specific disclosure format requirements apply by media type: for video, text must appear on screen for at least four seconds at the start and end, at high contrast, occupying at least four percent of vertical height; for audio, the disclosure must be spoken clearly at the beginning and end; for digital images or text, the disclosure must occupy at least four percent of the image area; and for space-limited formats such as social media posts, the text 'AI generated' plus a link to the full disclosure is required. Exemptions cover bona fide news reporting that questions authenticity, satirical or parodical content not intended to deceive, and platforms that provide tools for users to label AI-generated content. Civil penalties under section 68A.407(4) reach up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses; knowing violation with intent to defraud is a serious misdemeanor (up to one year confinement, fine of $430–$2,560); and injured parties may bring civil suits for injunctive relief and damages with mandatory attorney-fee awards to the prevailing party. The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board must adopt implementing rules prioritizing education and voluntary compliance, review those rules annually, and provide at least 30 days for public comment before rule adoption.

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