Tennessee Senate Bill SB2460

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 47, Chapter 18, relative to synthetic media.

Impact

If enacted, SB2460 would enable individuals whose likenesses are altered using synthetic media to seek legal recourse against those who publish such content with malicious intent. The bill establishes grounds for individuals to pursue injunctive relief and damages for defamation, giving them a stronger legal standing against malicious use of altered media. This development marks a significant change in how synthetic media is treated under Tennessee law, emphasizing the responsibility of media distributors to avoid harmful and misleading content.

Summary

Senate Bill 2460 aims to amend Tennessee Code related to synthetic media, specifically addressing the creation and distribution of audio, video, and imagery that is manipulated through artificial intelligence. The bill defines synthetic media broadly, identifying it as any audio, video, or image that has been altered in a way that misrepresents the actions or speech of an individual. This measure is a response to the growing concerns about the potential for misuse of AI technologies to create misleading representations that can harm reputations or spread misinformation.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for an affirmative defense if the altered content is accompanied by a clear disclosure that it has been manipulated, thus promoting transparency in digital media. However, the bill may stimulate debate over the boundaries of free speech and the regulation of media. Advocates argue that it is essential to protect individuals from harmful misinformation, while critics may raise concerns about censorship and the implications for creative expression and innovation in media technology. Overall, the balance between protecting reputations and ensuring freedom of expression will likely be a contentious issue surrounding SB2460.