UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2026:
Wyoming’s Senate File 51 (SF0051), which sought to regulate misleading synthetic media (deepfakes), did not pass into law. Although it was introduced during the 2024 legislative session and advanced through committee discussions, the bill ultimately failed in the House and is not currently in effect.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
Wyoming Bill Seeks to Outlaw Malicious Deepfakes
Deepfake technology continues to be under the microscope in the United States. In Wyoming, Senate File No. SF0051 creates a new article in state law to prohibit the dissemination of misleading synthetic media. Synthetic media is defined as altered images, audio, or video of a real person that makes it falsely appear that the person said or did something they did not actually say or do.
The bill makes it illegal to disseminate synthetic media if it does not contain clear notices stating it is synthetic, and it is disseminated with intent to mislead others about the person’s actions or speech. Violators can face injunctions, damages, costs, and exemplary damages in civil court. The attorney general can also enforce violations and seek injunctions and restitution.
The bill included two exceptions. First, it would not apply to synthetic media protected under the First Amendment. Second, it would not prevent actions under other existing laws addressing similar conduct, though it would provide exclusive remedies under this specific article.
Individuals can be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The stated purpose is to introduce consumer protections related to emerging blockchain, fintech, and digital innovation technologies. If approved, the act takes effect on July 1st of this year. The bill was introduced on January 24, but so far, no action has been taken on the bill.
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