CA
Enacted eff 2026-01-01
A real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf, who includes a digitally altered image in any advertisement or promotional material for the sale of real property must include a reasonably conspicuous disclosure statement on or adjacent to the image stating that the image has been altered. The disclosure must also include a link to a publicly accessible internet website, URL, or QR code where the original, unaltered image is clearly identified and available. The statement must include language indicating that the unaltered images can be accessed at the linked location.
CA
Enacted eff 2026-01-01
When an advertisement or promotional material containing a digitally altered image is posted on an internet website controlled by the real estate broker or salesperson (or person acting on their behalf), the unaltered version of each digitally altered image must also be included in the posting. Compliance may be achieved by including a link to a publicly accessible internet website that includes and clearly identifies the original, unaltered image. If the link method is used, the disclosure statement required by subdivision (a)(1) must include language indicating the unaltered images can be accessed on the linked website, URL, or QR code.
IA
Enacted eff 2026-05-15
Persons distributing synthetic media depicting a candidate or party within 90 days of an election must include a disclosure stating the content has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence — in easily readable text (at least as large as the largest other text) for the duration of any video, or clearly spoken at the beginning, end, and at two-minute intervals for audio-only media.
TN
Enacted eff 2024-07-01
Any person must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying content as AI-generated before distributing within Tennessee (1) an image, video, or audio recording using another individual's likeness, or (2) literature or other written work attributed to someone other than the actual author — regardless of whether consent was obtained and regardless of whether the content has been modified after generation.
TN
Enacted eff 2024-07-01
Any person must include a clear and conspicuous AI-generated disclosure, appropriate for the medium, on AI-generated content that uses another individual's likeness (image, video, audio, or song) or that constitutes a written work attributed to someone other than the actual author, prior to distributing that content in Tennessee — regardless of consent and regardless of post-generation modifications.
TN
Enacted eff 2024-07-01
Publishers of synthetic media may assert an affirmative defense by including a prescribed disclosure statement — This (image/video/audio) has been manipulated with the use of artificial intelligence or another digital technology and is not an accurate representation of the (individual/event) depicted — displayed in easily readable text no smaller than the largest other font in visual media (for the full duration if video), or spoken clearly at the beginning, end, and at two-minute intervals for audio-only media.
VA
Enacted eff 2026-07-01
Developers of high-risk generative AI systems must ensure that synthetic content outputs are identifiable and detectable using industry-standard tools or developer-provided tools, with identification applied at the time of generation. For artistic, creative, satirical, or fictional works, identification must not hinder display or enjoyment. Text-only outputs, public-interest informational content, content unlikely to mislead a reasonable person, and assistive editing outputs are exempt.
VA
Enacted eff 2026-04-13
Suppliers must disclose the use of artificial intelligence technology in the creation of any videographic or still image intending to depict an actual person, or any audio or audio-visual recording intending to depict the voice of an actual person, when the supplier disseminates or sells the item.
HI
Enrolled eff 3000-07-01
Any person who publicly distributes a realistic digital imitation must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure that it is AI-generated or AI-altered — visible for images and video, audible for audio, and expressed in plain language.
HI
Enrolled eff 3000-07-01
Any person who produces or creates a commercial advertisement must conspicuously disclose in the advertisement that a synthetic performer appears in it, where the person has actual knowledge of the synthetic performer's use.
CA
Engrossed
Any person who includes a digitally altered image (including AI-altered images) in an advertisement or promotional material for the rental of real property must include a reasonably conspicuous statement disclosing that the image has been altered. The statement must be located on or adjacent to the image and must include a link, URL, or QR code to a publicly accessible website that includes and clearly identifies the original, unaltered image.
CA
Engrossed
When a digitally altered rental property advertisement is posted on an internet website over which the person has control, the person must also include the unaltered version of the images directly in the posting. The person may satisfy this requirement by including a link to a publicly accessible website that includes and clearly identifies the original, unaltered images. If compliance is via link, the disclosure statement required under subdivision (b)(1) must indicate that unaltered images can be accessed at the linked website, URL, or QR code.
CA
Engrossed
Any person who creates and causes to be published in an advertising medium a video or audiovisual advertisement that includes a synthetic performer must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure that the performer is synthetic. The disclosure must: (1) appear in close proximity to the synthetic performer, (2) be presented in a manner and duration sufficient for a reasonable consumer to understand that the performer is not a real human being, and (3) use wording substantially similar to 'this performance features a synthetic digital performer' or 'no human performer is depicted.' Exempt from this requirement are advertisements for expressive works (motion pictures, television programs, streaming content, documentaries, video games, or similar audiovisual works) where the synthetic performer's use in the advertisement is consistent with its use in the expressive work, and advertisements where AI is used solely for language translation of a human performer.
NY
Engrossed
Any news media content substantially created by generative AI that is published, broadcast, or otherwise disseminated or accessible in New York must carry a conspicuous disclosure that it was substantially created by generative AI. For visual and audiovisual content, the disclosure must be imprinted at the top of the page, webpage, image, graphic, or video. For audio content, the disclosure must be verbally stated at the onset. This requirement does not apply if the content is eligible for copyright registration.
OH
Engrossed
Developers must program AI systems to provide a distinctive watermark on any AI-generated product that informs the user that the product was generated using an AI system.
OH
Engrossed
No person may remove a watermark required by this section with the purpose of concealing that the product was generated using artificial intelligence.
AL
Introduced eff 2026-10-01
Developers must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying output from any generative AI system producing images, video, or audiovisual content as AI-generated content. The disclosure must include a human-perceptible label and embedded metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the tool used, and the creation timestamp. The disclosure must, to the extent technically feasible, be permanent or unable to be easily removed. Visual-only content requires visual disclosure; audiovisual content requires both visual and audible disclosure. All disclosures must stand out by size, contrast, location, and duration; be unavoidable; use plain language; and not be contradicted by the content itself.
GA
Introduced eff 2025-07-01
Any individual disseminating AI-generated content (video, audio, or still images) to facilitate commerce or trade must include a disclosure that artificial intelligence was used to make all or part of the content.
GA
Introduced eff 2025-07-01
Any individual disseminating AI-generated visual media in commerce must ensure the disclosure is (1) written in each language used in the content and (2) clearly readable — appearing in letters at least 30% of vertical picture height, visible for at least 30% of the media's length for moving images, and rendered with adequate color contrast.
GA
Introduced eff 2025-07-01
Any individual disseminating AI-generated audible media in commerce must ensure the disclosure is announced at the same volume, speaking rate, and in each spoken language as the content itself.
LA
Introduced
Any person operating an artificial intelligence system that produces images, videos, audio, or multimedia AI-generated content must include on that content a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the content as generated by artificial intelligence.
MA
Introduced
Generative AI systems used within Massachusetts must include on or within AI-generated content (1) a clear and conspicuous human-perceptible notice identifying the content as AI-generated, permanent or difficult to remove to the extent technically feasible, and (2) embedded metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the identity of the generating system, and the date and time of creation.
MA
Introduced
Any person within Massachusetts who uses a generative AI system to create or repurpose AI-generated content must not remove any AI-disclosure notice or metadata required by Section 2.
MD
Introduced eff 2026-10-01
Consumer reporting agencies must ensure that AI system outputs — including any synthetic audio, image, video, or text — are detectable as artificially generated.
MO
Introduced eff 2026-08-28
Publishers and disseminators of AI-generated or AI-modified images, video, or audio may label such content with a visible or audible mark or statement developed by the Secretary of State indicating that the content was generated or modified using artificial intelligence. Failure to label triggers civil liability under subsection (3) if a person is injured as a result.
MO
Introduced eff 2026-08-28
Publishers and disseminators who fail to place a mark or statement on AI-generated or AI-modified images, video, or audio indicating AI origin are subject to a private cause of action for damages by any person who suffers an injury as a result of the unlabeled content.
MO
Introduced eff 2027-01-01
Any person or entity creating AI-generated content for public consumption must clearly label the content as AI-generated in a prominent and conspicuous manner, identifying the AI system used and, if applicable, the developer or deployer, with format-specific labels: header/footer for text, verbal disclosure at start and every two minutes for audio exceeding 30 seconds, and visible watermark or overlay with metadata and captions for images and video.
MO
Introduced eff 2027-01-01
All labels and watermarks required under the act must be accessible to individuals with disabilities under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, WCAG 2.1, or other applicable law. Exceptions apply for: (1) private non-commercial content not shared publicly, (2) AI-generated content used solely for internal business research not intended for public distribution, and (3) content using only minimal AI assistance that does not substantially alter meaning or authorship.
NJ
Introduced
News media entities that publish generative AI content must (1) prominently display a label indicating the content is generative AI, (2) credit any source used to produce the content, and (3) include a disclaimer that the content may not accurately reflect the source material.
NJ
Introduced
Sellers and sellers' agents who use generative AI or photo-editing software to add furniture or non-fixed items to dwelling photos must (1) disclose the use of AI or editing software in each advertisement, and (2) upon request, provide the original unaltered images to a buyer or buyer's agent.
NJ
Introduced
News media entities that use generative AI content must (1) prominently display a label indicating the content is generative AI, (2) credit any source used to produce the content, and (3) include a disclaimer that the content may not accurately reflect the source material.
NM
Introduced
Covered providers must offer users the option to include a manifest (human-visible) disclosure in AI-generated content that identifies the content as generated by artificial intelligence, is clear, conspicuous, appropriate for the medium, understandable to a reasonable person, and permanent or extraordinarily difficult to remove.
NY
Introduced
Any person who distributes or publishes AI-generated content depicting a historically recognized human disaster and has actual knowledge the content is materially deceptive must include a disclosure label stating This (image, video, or audio) has been manipulated — printed in legible text for visual media and spoken at the beginning, end, and at two-minute intervals for audio content. Exemptions apply for satire/parody, bona fide news reporting with authenticity disclosures, broadcast stations with consistent disclaimer requirements, and initial platform dissemination of third-party content.
NY
Introduced
Publishers must conspicuously disclose on the cover of any book published in New York that was wholly or partially created through the use of generative artificial intelligence that the book was created with the use of generative artificial intelligence. This applies to all printed and digital books regardless of target age group or audience, including those consisting of text, pictures, audio, puzzles, games, or any combination thereof.
NY
Introduced
Any news media content published, broadcast, or otherwise disseminated or accessible in New York that was substantially composed, authored, or otherwise created using generative AI must carry a conspicuous disclosure stating the content was substantially created by generative AI. For written or visual content, the disclosure must be imprinted at the top of the page, webpage, image, graphic, or video. For audio content, the disclosure must be verbally stated at the onset. This disclosure requirement does not apply if the content is eligible for copyright registration.
NY
Introduced
Search engines must, when displaying information generated by artificial intelligence, inform the user that the information was AI-generated by providing two simultaneous disclosures: (1) a plain-language label in the same font size as the AI-generated information, placed directly above it, and (2) a watermark across the AI-generated information in the same font size and in clear, plain language.
NY
Introduced
Publishers of any book published in New York that was wholly or partially created through the use of generative artificial intelligence must conspicuously disclose on the cover of the book that it was created with the use of generative artificial intelligence. This applies to all printed and digital books regardless of target age group or audience, including books consisting of text, pictures, audio, puzzles, games, or any combination thereof.
NY
Introduced
Any party serving a paper or filing in a civil action that was drafted with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence must attach a separate affidavit disclosing such use and certifying that a human being has reviewed the source material and verified that the AI-generated content is accurate.
NY
Introduced
An appellant's brief must include, as a required component, a disclosure of any use of generative artificial intelligence in its drafting and a certification that the content was reviewed and verified by a human, where Rule 2107 applies.
NY
Introduced
Publishers of newspapers, magazines, or other publications printed or electronically published in New York must conspicuously imprint at the top of the page or webpage a disclosure that any article, periodical, photograph, video, or other visual image was composed through the use of artificial intelligence or other information communication technology, whenever the content was wholly or partially composed or authored using generative AI.
NY
Introduced
Any party serving a paper or file drafted with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence must attach a separate affidavit disclosing such use and certifying that a human reviewed the source material and verified the AI-generated content is accurate.
NY
Introduced
Appellants whose briefs were drafted with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence must include in the brief a disclosure of AI use and a certification that the content was reviewed and verified by a human.
OH
Introduced
Developers must program AI systems to produce a distinctive watermark on any AI-generated product that informs the user the content was generated using an artificial intelligence system.
OH
Introduced
No person, business, or organization may distribute for public or commercial use any AI-generated product that does not include a distinctive watermark indicating the content was generated using an artificial intelligence system. This obligation does not apply to AI-generated products created at a user's prompting solely for personal, noncommercial use.
PA
Introduced
Covered providers must offer each user the option to include a clear, conspicuous, medium-appropriate manifest disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated that is permanent or not reasonably removable to the extent technically feasible.
PA
Introduced
Digital platforms must attach a clear, conspicuous, medium-appropriate disclosure to any AI-simulation content identifying it as AI-generated and conveying (directly or via link) the simulation's name and version, the creation timestamp, and a unique identifier, consistent with industry standards and permanent or not reasonably removable to the extent technically feasible.
PA
Introduced
Any individual who creates or distributes an AI-generated image, text, simulation, or video must place a watermark on 30% of the content at minimum 50% opacity, containing the statement Artificial Intelligence Generated Material.
RI
Introduced
Any person or entity that uploads, creates, distributes, or originates AI-generated video, image, or photography on a public platform viewable in Rhode Island must include a visible marking disclosing that the content was generated by AI. Violations committed for profit or trade constitute deceptive trade practices subject to civil penalties under § 6-13.1-8.
RI
Introduced eff 2025-10-01
Developers of AI systems that generate or manipulate synthetic digital content must ensure outputs are marked and detectable as synthetic before consumers first interact with or are exposed to them, in a consumer-detectable and accessibility-compliant manner, using technical solutions that are effective, interoperable, robust, and reliable consistent with recognized technical standards. Exemptions apply for text-only content, public-interest informational content, content unlikely to mislead a reasonable person, assistive editing, and compliance-detection tools.
TN
Introduced eff 2024-07-01
Publishers of synthetic media must include a conspicuous disclosure stating that the content has been manipulated with AI or digital technology and is not an accurate representation of the depicted individual or event. For visual media, the disclosure must appear in text no smaller than the largest font in the media and, for video, for the full duration. For audio-only media, the disclosure must be clearly spoken at the beginning, end, and at intervals of no more than two minutes.
US
Introduced
Federal officials must include a clear, conspicuous, plain-language disclaimer on any publicly released content created or manipulated using generative AI, stating that the content is AI-generated, explaining how it was generated or altered, and identifying the technology or method used. Exceptions apply for non-public communications, classified content (if an unclassified summary is retained), minor graphic adjustments, routine text drafts reviewed by agency staff before publication, and personal non-government social media posts.
US
Introduced
Providers of generative AI systems that produce covered AI-generated content must label that content with a clear, conspicuous, embedded, and (where feasible) accessibility-conscious disclosure identifying it as AI-generated.
VA
Introduced
Any official police report or law-enforcement record created in whole or in part using generative AI must: (1) include a disclaimer that the report or record contains content generated by artificial intelligence; (2) where technically feasible, identify the specific content that was generated by AI; and (3) include a certification by the author that the author has read and reviewed the report or record for accuracy.
VA
Introduced
Developers must ensure that any generative AI system producing audio, image, or video content includes (1) a clear and conspicuous human-perceptible disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated and (2) embedded metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the generating tool, and the creation date/time. Disclosures must be, to the extent technically feasible, permanent or not easily removable.
VA
Introduced
Developers must ensure that any generative AI system producing text content, including through an AI chatbot, includes a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated that is, to the extent technically feasible, permanent or not easily removable.
VA
Introduced
Developers must ensure that generative AI systems producing audio, image, or video content include on each output (1) a clear and conspicuous human-perceptible label identifying the content as AI-generated and (2) embedded metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the tool used, and the creation date and time. Disclosures must be permanent or unable to be easily removed.
VA
Introduced
Developers must ensure that generative AI systems producing text content — including through AI chatbots — include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated, which must be permanent or unable to be easily removed to the extent technically feasible.
WV
Introduced
Covered entities must ensure that any AI-generated media they create, distribute, publish, or transmit includes a clear and conspicuous human-perceptible disclosure — a watermark, text label, audio statement, or on-screen identifier — indicating the media was created or materially altered using AI. Visual media must include a watermark or text label; audio media must include a spoken or transcript statement at the beginning; video media must include an on-screen disclosure of at least 3 seconds at the start and a persistent watermark throughout playback.
CT
Failed
Developers of AI systems that generate or manipulate synthetic digital content must ensure outputs are marked and detectable as synthetic by the time consumers first encounter them, using consumer-perceptible, accessibility-compliant, interoperable, robust, and reliable technical solutions consistent with recognized standards. Text-only content, public-interest content, content unlikely to mislead, evidently artistic works, assistive editing, and law-enforcement uses are exempt or subject to limited disclosure.
FL
Failed
The Division of Emergency Management must include a conspicuous indicator with an encoded link on all digital images and videos it creates on or after July 1, 2025, allowing users to access provenance data.
IA
Failed
Any person who publishes political advocacy material containing a materially deceptive depiction of a candidate must include on the material the disclosure this material has been manipulated to include a materially deceptive depiction of a candidate.
IL
Failed
Creators of AI-generated images or videos that mimic or replicate another person's voice or likeness in a manner that would deceive an average viewer must, when displaying the content for public viewing, place a disclosure at the bottom of the image or video stating that the content is not authentic and does not reflect the original voice or likeness of the depicted person — unless that person consents to the use.
IL
Failed
Any person who publishes or causes to be published a commercial advertisement that the person knows or should know contains synthetic media must disclose in the advertisement that it contains synthetic media.
IL
Failed
Any person who publishes a commercial advertisement using synthetic media that depicts a person engaged in an action or expression the person did not actually perform must include a clear and conspicuous disclaimer stating the likeness is synthetic, does not depict an actual person, and is generated to create a human likeness.
IL
Failed
Developers and deployers of generative AI systems producing image, video, audio, or multimedia content must (1) include a clear and conspicuous human-perceptible disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated, appropriate to its medium, (2) embed metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the tool used, and the creation date and time, and (3) make the disclosure permanent or tamper-resistant to the extent technically feasible.
IL
Failed
Developers and deployers of AI systems that produce text AI-generated content — including through chatbots — must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated that is, to the extent technically feasible, permanent or not easily removable.
LA
Failed
Any person who distributes or makes publicly available synthetic media purporting to be of or by a natural person must either (1) obtain the depicted person's consent, or (2) constantly display an obvious notice within the media identifying it as synthetic media. Failure to do so, combined with knowledge, intent, and intent to mislead about the depicted person's acts, constitutes unlawful distribution.
MA
Failed
Companies must program their large-scale generative AI model to generate all text with a distinctive watermark, or offer an authentication process allowing users to determine whether a particular output was generated by the model.
MD
Failed
Persons who publish, distribute, or disseminate synthetic media before an election must (1) publish the original unaltered content on their website and (2) include the format-specific disclosure statement required under subsection (D).
MO
Failed
Creators who distribute synthetic media within 18 weeks of an election must include a human-perceptible disclosure stating 'This [image/video/audio] has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence,' displayed at the largest font size in the visual media for its full duration, or clearly spoken at the beginning, end, and at intervals not exceeding two minutes for audio-only media.
MT
Failed eff 2025-05-23
Any publicly distributed online media generated in whole or in part by AI must contain (1) identifiable markers that alert users to the use of AI, and (2) embedded markers that allow identification of AI use even if the original identifiable markers are deleted.
NY
Failed
Any person engaged in the business of dealing in property or services must disclose in any advertisement if synthetic media is used in that advertisement.
NY
Failed
When synthetic media is used in an advertisement to create a model that appears to depict a natural person, the advertisement must include a disclaimer clearly stating that the models are synthetic, do not depict a natural person, and are generated to create a human likeness.
NY
Failed
Any book published in New York that was wholly or partially created using generative AI must conspicuously disclose on the cover that the book was created with the use of generative artificial intelligence. This applies to all printed and digital books regardless of target age group or audience, including books consisting of text, pictures, audio, puzzles, games, or any combination thereof.
NY
Failed
Publishers of newspapers, magazines, or other publications printed or electronically published in New York must conspicuously imprint at the top of any page or webpage a disclosure that an article, periodical, photograph, video, or other visual image was composed wholly or partially through generative AI or other information communication technology.
NY
Failed
Publishers of any book published in New York that was wholly or partially created using generative artificial intelligence must conspicuously disclose on the cover of the book that the book was created with the use of generative artificial intelligence.
NY
Failed
Any party serving a paper or file in a civil action that was drafted with the assistance of generative AI must attach a separate affidavit disclosing such use and certifying that a human reviewed the source material and verified the AI-generated content is accurate.
NY
Failed
Appellants who used generative AI in drafting their brief must include in the brief a disclosure of such AI use and a certification that the content was reviewed and verified by a human.
OK
Failed
Entities must disclose to Oklahoma citizens when images or text they are consuming were generated entirely by AI and not reviewed by a real person, where a reasonable person would believe the content is real and authentic.
PA
Failed
Any individual who creates or distributes an AI-generated image, text, simulation, or video must place a visible watermark covering 30% of the content, at minimum 50% opacity, containing the statement 'Artificial Intelligence Generated Material.'
RI
Failed
Companies must program the model to generate all text with a distinctive watermark or offer an authentication process that allows users to determine whether a particular output was generated by the model.
US
Failed
Generative AI systems must include on every output the verbatim disclaimer: Disclaimer: this output has been generated by artificial intelligence.
US
Failed
Developers must ensure that each generative AI system producing image, video, audio, or multimedia content includes (1) a clear and conspicuous human-perceptible notice identifying the content as AI-generated, appropriate for the medium, and (2) embedded metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the tool used to create it, and the date and time of creation. The disclosure must, to the extent technically feasible, be permanent or unable to be easily removed.
US
Failed
Developers must ensure that each AI system producing text AI-generated content (including chatbot output) includes a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated, which must be, to the extent technically feasible, permanent or unable to be easily removed.
US
Failed
Generative AI systems that produce image, video, audio, or multimedia content must include (1) a clear and conspicuous human-perceptible disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated, and (2) embedded metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the identity of the tool used, and the creation date and time. Disclosures must, to the extent technically feasible, be permanent or unable to be easily removed.
US
Failed
AI systems that produce text AI-generated content, including through AI chatbots, must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated. The disclosure must, to the extent technically feasible, be permanent or unable to be easily removed.
US
Failed
AI-generating entities must include a watermark meeting FTC-established standards on all covered AI-generated material — including content that impersonates individuals, is represented as original artwork, songs, or news media, or meets additional FTC-defined criteria.
UT
Failed
Law enforcement agencies must include a disclaimer in any written police report or law enforcement record created wholly or partially with generative AI, stating that the report or record contains AI-generated content.
UT
Failed eff 2026-05-06
Law enforcement agencies must ensure that any written police report or law enforcement record created wholly or partially using generative AI or AI technology contains (1) a disclaimer identifying AI-generated content and (2) a certification by the author that they have read and reviewed the report for accuracy.
WV
Failed
To qualify for the safe harbor from the distribution prohibition, a person distributing synthetic media must include a clear and conspicuous disclaimer stating that the media has been manipulated by technical means and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur. The disclaimer must meet format requirements: (1) in visual communications, font size at least as large as the largest other text; (2) in audio communications, spoken at matching pitch, speed, language, and volume at the beginning, end, and at one-minute intervals for communications over two minutes; (3) metadata must include the disclaimer, the identity of the creation tool, the identity of the creator, and the date and time of creation; and (4) the disclaimer must be, to the extent technically feasible, permanent and not easily removable.
WY
Failed
Persons who disseminate synthetic media must label it with a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the content as synthetic media — visual notice for visual media, or spoken disclosure at the beginning, end, and every two minutes for audio-only media — or face civil and criminal liability when dissemination is done with intent to mislead.