NY A09816

Creates cause of action for candidates depicted in "materially deceptive media" (AI-generated or machine-manipulated images, audio, or video) used in political communications without consent when disseminator knew or should have known it was deceptive.

Allows courts to award injunctive relief, punitive damages, compensatory damages, and reasonable court costs and attorney's fees in such actions, with cases receiving expedited proceedings and automatic calendar preference.

Establishes affirmative defense if manipulated media includes clear disclosure stating "This (image/video/audio) has been manipulated" in readable font size (for visual media) or clearly spoken at beginning, end, and every two minutes (for audio).

Exempts bona fide news broadcasts, news interviews, news documentaries, and news event coverage if they include clear disclosure that media does not accurately represent the candidate's speech or conduct; also exempts satire or parody.

Requires plaintiff to prove use of materially deceptive media by clear and convincing evidence, with three-year statute of limitations from dissemination or publication, and preserves protections under federal law (47 U.S.C. § 230) for interactive computer services.