Members of the Alaska House of Representatives consider artificial intelligence legislation on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during a break in a session of the Alaska House of Representatives. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
The Alaska House of Representatives is moving toward new restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence computer software that can be used to impersonate a person’s voice and appearance.
As soon as Thursday, the House may vote on House Bill 358 , which would ban someone from using a faked picture, video or sound clip to influence an election, unless the fake, known as a “deepfake,” is accompanied by a disclaimer.
On Wednesday, lawmakers debated amendments to the proposal and rejected, by a 16-24 vote, an outright ban on deepfakes in elections.
Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, suggested the ban and said that by definition, a deepfake is intended to “trick people,” and therefore should not be allowed.
Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer is co-chair of the House Judiciary Committee and the bill’s primary sponsor.