The Alaska State Legislature has introduced Senate Bill 64, a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating the use of synthetic media in political communications. Introduced on March 28, 2025, the bill seeks to address growing concerns over misinformation and the manipulation of media in electoral processes.

Senate Bill 64 establishes clear guidelines for the disclosure of synthetic media, which includes manipulated images, videos, and audio used in electioneering communications. Key provisions of the bill require that any synthetic media must include a disclosure statement indicating its manipulated nature. This statement must be prominently displayed and easily readable for visual media, while audio communications must announce the disclosure at the beginning, end, and at regular intervals if longer than two minutes.

The bill also provides a defense for those accused of violating these regulations if they can demonstrate that their media was clearly labeled or constituted satire or parody. Furthermore, it protects internet service providers and broadcasters from liability for hosting or distributing such content, provided they are not the creators of the manipulated media.

Debate surrounding Senate Bill 64 has highlighted concerns about free speech and the potential chilling effect on creative expression, particularly in the realms of satire and parody. Critics argue that the bill could inadvertently stifle legitimate political discourse and artistic expression. Supporters, however, emphasize the necessity of transparency in political communications to combat misinformation, especially in an era where deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media are increasingly prevalent.

The implications of this legislation are significant, as it could set a precedent for how synthetic media is treated in political contexts across the United States. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill may lead to similar legislative efforts in other states, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for regulation in the digital age.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, its future remains uncertain, with potential amendments and further debates expected. The outcome of Senate Bill 64 could have lasting effects on the intersection of technology, media, and politics in Alaska and beyond.