The proposed bill aims to prohibit the use of deceptive and fraudulent deepfakes in election communications in Arkansas. It introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code that defines "deceptive and fraudulent deepfake" as synthetic media that inaccurately alters or generates the speech, conduct, image, or likeness of a candidate or political party with the intent to mislead voters or harm the candidate's reputation. The bill outlines specific conditions under which synthetic media can be distributed within 90 days of an election, requiring clear disclosures that the content has been manipulated. Violations of this provision can lead to civil penalties, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the offense.

Additionally, the bill provides a cause of action for candidates whose likenesses are misrepresented through deepfakes, allowing them to seek injunctive relief within two years of the election. However, it also includes exceptions for certain entities, such as broadcasting stations and publications that clearly disclose the authenticity issues of the deepfake, as well as for content that is satirical or parodic in nature. This legislation seeks to enhance the integrity of election communications by addressing the potential for misinformation through advanced digital manipulation techniques.