WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 1 REQUIREMENT TYPE
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
1 This bill proposes to define "high-traffic online platform," to require high-traffic online platforms to block the posting of materially deceptive content related to elections in Vermont during specified periods before and after an election, and to require these platforms to appropriately label inauthentic, synthetic, or false content during specified periods before and after an election in Vermont.
2 This bill also proposes to prohibit a person, committee, or other entity from knowingly distributing an advertisement or other election communication that contains materially deceptive content with malice within 120 days before an election in Vermont.
This bill also proposes to authorize a recipient of materially deceptive content, elections official, or candidate or committee participating in the election to file a civil action to enjoin the distribution of the deceptive media and to seek damages against the person, committee, or other entity that distributed it.
3 This bill also proposes to require a committee that creates, publishes, or distributes a qualified political advertisement to include in the advertisement a specified disclosure whenever the advertisement was generated or substantially altered using artificial intelligence.
(TEXT OMITTED IN SHORT-FORM BILLS)
This bill was introduced in short form only. The statement of purpose describes four core obligations: (1) high-traffic online platforms must block materially deceptive election content and label inauthentic, synthetic, or false content during specified election windows; (2) persons, committees, and entities are prohibited from knowingly distributing materially deceptive election communications with malice within 120 days before an election; (3) committees must include a specified AI-disclosure label on qualified political advertisements generated or substantially altered using AI; and (4) a private right of action is available for injunctive relief and damages. Because the operative text is omitted, precise statutory language, defined terms, and detailed compliance requirements are not yet available for mapping.