VDA Testimony to SD Senate State Affairs Committee Hearing on Feb 24 in Support of SB 164

On February 24, I testified before the SD Senate State Affairs Committee in Pierre and delivered the following statement in support of Senate Bill 164:

“Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, it’s great to be once again in front of you.

My name is Zebadiah Johnson from Sioux Falls, SD, and I’m here on behalf of the Voter Defense Association of South Dakota, and we rise in support of SB 164.

As the prime sponsor noted, our system of electoral democracy depends on having a shared reality, in which voters make informed decisions with which they cast their votes. Deepfakes pose a real and substantial threat to that shared reality, especially as that technology advances and becomes more convincing, it will become increasingly difficult for citizens to discern reality from fiction when it comes to politics.

We appreciate the light touch approach and the disclosure requirements as well as the timeframe aspect of the bill. And we believe South Dakotans deserve to know whether they can trust their eyes and ears when it comes to their politics. We ask that you support this bill and we appreciate your time. “

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