Deepfakes Heatmap

Mississippi SB 2577 has been on the books since July 1, 2024. The law makes it a crime to knowingly share a realistic AI-generated or digitally altered depiction of a candidate within 90 days of an election — without the depicted person's consent — when the intent is to influence the election or discourage voting. Clear labeling that the content is fabricated is treated as a defense.

• The rule is narrow on purpose — the criminal trigger is election-window distribution within 90 days of the vote. It doesn't reach deepfakes in everyday family or school contexts.
• Platform providers and broadcasters acting in a news capacity are generally excluded from liability under this rule — the law targets the person creating or knowingly sharing the content with intent to deceive voters.
• Clear labeling that the content is fabricated is a defense — that single attribute is what shifts a piece of media from likely-prohibited to likely-protected within the election window.

• Read SB 2577 on the Mississippi Legislature's bill-status page for the exact 90-day window definition and the labeling defense.
• If you're concerned about a deepfake outside an election context, this Mississippi rule isn't the relevant one. Federal protections and the platform's own content policy are where to look first.