AI Frontier Institute

Regulate fraudulent synthetic media for influencing elections

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Ohio H.B. 362 (136th General Assembly) was introduced on 2025-06-12 and referred to the General Government committee. It has not been enacted. If enacted, it would add new section 3517.24 of the Revised Code to regulate deceptive AI-generated "synthetic media" in elections. Definitions (3517.24(A)): "synthetic media" is a realistic but false image, audio or video recording of a real individual's appearance, speech or conduct, created or intentionally manipulated with generative adversarial networks or other digital technology. It becomes "deceptive and fraudulent" if a reasonable person would think it shows the person saying or doing something they did not, or it gives a fundamentally different impression than the original. Prohibition (3517.24(B)): from 90 days before an election through election day, no person may recklessly disseminate such media to influence the election's results without a disclosure. Images need a readable written statement that it was manipulated or generated by AI. Audio needs a spoken statement at the beginning and end, and every two minutes if longer than four minutes. Video needs a written statement for its whole duration. Exemptions (3517.24(C)): certain broadcasters, including bona fide news coverage with an acknowledgment of authenticity questions, or when legally required to air a candidate's content; paid broadcasts where a good-faith effort found the media not deceptive; news websites and periodicals that clearly state the media does not accurately represent the person; and satire or parody. Penalties (3517.24(D)): a civil fine of up to $1,000; up to $5,000 if the violator intends to incite violence or bodily harm; up to $10,000 for a second or later violation within five years. A harmed person may sue for injunctive or other equitable relief, in addition to other remedies. Enforcement: complaints go to the Ohio elections commission. Amendments to 3517.153, 3517.154 and 3517.155 make 3517.24 violations subject to complaint, with automatic or recommended expedited hearings during the periods in 3517.156. The commission may fine under 3517.993 but may not refer 3517.24 violations to a prosecutor (3517.155(D)(3)). Section 3599.40 is amended so the general first-degree misdemeanor penalty does not apply to 3517.24 violations. Section 3517.993 is amended to include 3517.24 among the fine-authorizing sections.

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