HB4933 - Digital Forgeries in Politics Act

• Creates a civil cause of action for Illinois residents who are candidates for office and are depicted in digital forgeries that are knowingly distributed within 90 days before a regular election and reasonably likely to harm their reputation or electoral prospects.

• Exempts digitally manipulated media that includes a clear and conspicuous disclaimer informing viewers or listeners that the media has been manipulated and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur.

• Establishes specific requirements for disclaimers depending on media type: video disclaimers must appear throughout and be clearly visible and readable; audio disclaimers must be read at beginning and end in a clearly spoken manner; image disclaimers must be clearly visible and readable.

• Allows courts to issue temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, or permanent injunctions ordering defendants to cease displaying or distributing the digital forgery.

• Permits prevailing plaintiffs to recover either actual damages, statutory damages up to $10,000 per distribution instance, punitive damages, and/or costs and reasonable attorney's fees.