New Deep Fake Election Law Now In Effect In Minnesota

A lot of new laws are now in effect now that we are in July. One of the big laws enacted is to prevent election fraud by using AI.

Last year, a new law regulating the use of deep fake technology to influence an election was passed in Minnesota. Under Minnesota statute 609.771, 'Deep Fake' refers to videos, audio recordings, or photos that are created with the help of Artificial Intelligence to impersonate someone without their consent or knowledge.

Legislation attempts to catch up to AI technology.

The world of AI is uncharted, and lawmakers are scrambling to enact laws to protect people and democracy. Deepfake technology used by bad actors could spread false information, making a candidate appear to do or say something they didn't actually do.

Who can be charged with a crime?

Anyone who shares a deep fake within 90 days of an election is guilty of a crime under the following stipulations:

They know or should have known that the item was a deep fake made without the consent of the depicted individual
They also act with the intent to harm a candidate's reputation or influence the result of an election.

What are the penalties?

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Subdivision 3 explains the use of deep fake to influence election penalties.

(1) if the person commits the violation within five years of one or more prior convictions under this section, to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both;
(2) if the person commits the violation with the intent to cause violence or bodily harm, to imprisonment for not more than 364 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both; or
(3) in other cases, to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?

Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.

Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff