Massachusetts State House: Beware of ‘Sacred Cod’
Meet New England political reporter Margie Cullen, who will introduce you to the Massachusetts State House, including the “Sacred Cod.”
The bill would require audio or video political ads that use “synthetic media” to include a message that “contains content generated by AI.” Similar efforts are underway in other states. The House also passed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit candidates and other political groups from distributing “deceptive communications” within 90 days of an election.
On February 11, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill that would undisclosedly ban the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising.
“One look at the Super Bowl shows how pervasive artificial intelligence has become. AI is no longer theoretical, it’s present in our everyday lives,” said Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Dorchester), chairman of the House Elections Law Committee, in a statement. “Voters have a right to know that what they see is reality.”
The bill would require ads to include messages warning viewers about the use of AI, following similar efforts in other states. In 2024, New Hampshire passed a law regulating the use of AI in political advertising after fake robocalls from Biden told New Hampshire residents not to vote days before the presidential primary.
In Massachusetts, the bill passed 157-0 and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
The bill comes as the Massachusetts Legislature considers additional election-related legislation during the midyear period. The House passed a bill Wednesday that would stop candidates from distributing false ads within 90 days of an election, and the Senate passed a bill in January that would require voting campaigns to have more campaign finance transparency.
What does this bill do?
The bill would require audio or video political ads that use “synthetic media” to include the message “Contains AI-generated content” at both the beginning and end. A similar message must also be displayed or said aloud throughout the duration of the video or audio content containing the AI.
The rules apply to audio and video communications paid for by candidates or political groups that use artificial intelligence to influence votes for or against a candidate or ballot measure.
Violations are subject to a $1,000 fine.
another election bill
The House also passed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit candidates and other political groups from distributing “false communications” within 90 days after an election.
This includes media that depicts candidates in a way that damages their reputation or deceives voters into voting for or against them, as well as content that misleads voters about the date and time of elections. The bill would allow victims of such ads to sue.
The bill would not apply to news organizations that report on advertising or content that constitutes satire or parody.
The bill passed 154-3 and will now be considered in the Senate.
