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Bill

SB 571

Synthetic media; expands applicability of provisions related to defamation, etc., penalty.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boysko and 1 co-sponsor

Expands Virginia defamation law to hold creators and distributors of false synthetic media (deepfakes, AI-generated content) legally liable for damages similar to traditional false statements.

Left in Courts of Justice
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 571

Legislative bill overview

SB 571 expands Virginia's defamation and related tort laws to apply to synthetic media—artificially created or manipulated audio, video, or images—making creators and distributors of false synthetic media liable for damages. The bill treats synthetic media on par with traditional false statements in establishing legal liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, and similar harms.

Why is this important

As deepfakes and AI-generated content become more sophisticated and accessible, this legislation addresses a genuine gap in existing tort law that was written before such technology existed. The bill could provide legal recourse for individuals harmed by false synthetic media while also raising questions about how courts will define and prove "synthetic" content in practice.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Critics may argue the bill could chill legitimate speech, parody, satire, or political commentary if the definition of actionable synthetic media is too broad or if the burden of proof is too low
  • Definitional challenges: Determining what constitutes prohibited "synthetic media" versus edited or filtered content, and who bears responsibility (creator vs. distributor) remains legally complex
  • Technical proof requirements: Plaintiffs may struggle to demonstrate content is actually synthetic versus merely appearing artificial, potentially leading to costly litigation over authentication methods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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