Category:Ethics
Regulating Deepfakes: Strengthening the Fight Against Deceptive Media
In response to the growing threat of deepfake technology, two significant pieces of legislation have emerged: California’s 2024 Deepfake Deception Defense Act and the DEEPFAKES Accountability Act. A deepfake is a digitally altered video or image that uses artificial intelligence to make it appear as though someone is saying or doing something they never actually did. These laws aim to curb the spread of deceptive synthetic media and ensure transparency and accountability in digital content. Both Acts represent progress, but enhanced real-time monitoring, a registry, and a dedicated regulatory body are needed for better deepfake regulation.
The Snyder Decision: What is to Come Regarding Federal and State Gratuities Regulations?
The Supreme Court of the United States released its 6-3 opinion on Snyder v. United States on June 26, 2024. This decision overturned the conviction of Indiana mayor, James Snyder, who was convicted of accepting an illegal gratuity in violation of Title 18, §666(a)(1)(B) of the United States Code. The Supreme Court held that §666 does not criminalize gratuities for several reasons: the statute’s text, statutory history, statutory structure, statutory punishments, federalism, and fair notice. The scope of §666 is severely narrowed, bringing the question: What is the potential impact of Snyder on other federal and state bribery laws as they apply to state and local officials?