Truthful Information and Media Integrity Act of 2024
Section 1: Title
This Act shall be known as the “Truthful Information and Media Integrity Act of 2024.”
Section 2: Definitions
For the purposes of this Act:
- “Misinformation” refers to false or misleading information that is presented as fact, regardless of intent.
- “Propaganda” refers to information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
- “Fictional Content” refers to any material explicitly intended to be imaginative or not factual, clearly denoted as such.
- “Media” includes all forms of publication, including but not limited to print, digital, social media, news stories, broadcasts, and other channels, whether current or future.
Section 3: Truthfulness Requirement
- Accuracy Mandate:
- All statements, social media posts, news stories, allegations, and other forms of communication must be truthful. Individuals, companies, and organizations are required to ensure that their information is accurate and verifiable.
- Scope of Act:
- This Act applies to all media, platforms, and channels, including current and future publications and broadcasts.
Section 4: Penalties for Violations
- Fines and Imprisonment:
- Individuals or entities found to have disseminated false information or engaged in propaganda are subject to fines or imprisonment. Penalties will be determined based on the severity and impact of the misinformation.
- Enforcement:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall oversee the enforcement of this Act, investigating violations and administering penalties.
Section 5: Fictional Content Exception
- Fictional Content Disclaimer:
- Fictional publications or speech must include a disclaimer indicating that the content is fictional. The disclaimer must state “WARNING: Fictional Content” and be displayed with a red background occupying at least 33% of the page or screen.
- Presentation Requirements:
- The disclaimer must appear at the beginning and end of the content and at intervals of every 15 minutes for speeches or broadcasts. For video and film, the disclaimer must appear every 30 minutes between the beginning and end of the content.
- Verbal Disclaimer:
- During speeches or broadcasts, the disclaimer must be announced verbally immediately before and immediately after the fictional content and repeated every 15 minutes during the content.
- Visual Disclaimer for Video/Film:
- For video and film, the disclaimer must be displayed on screen once every 30 minutes, with the message “WARNING: Fictional Content” clearly visible.
Section 6: Compliance and Reporting
- Compliance:
- All private, commercial, and non-profit entities must comply with this Act. Compliance includes adhering to the accuracy requirement and properly displaying disclaimers for fictional content.
- Reporting Violations:
- Violations of this Act can be reported to the FTC. The FTC shall establish a process for receiving and investigating complaints.
Section 7: Review and Amendment
- Review:
- The Act shall be reviewed every five years to assess its effectiveness and impact. Amendments may be proposed to address any emerging issues or changes in technology.
- Amendments:
- Proposed amendments shall be submitted to Congress for review and approval through a formal legislative process.
Section 8: Effective Date
This Act shall take effect 180 days after enactment to allow for implementation and compliance adjustments.
Section 9: Enforcement and Legal Framework
- Legal Proceedings:
- Legal proceedings for violations of this Act shall be conducted in accordance with federal law. Individuals or entities found in violation may face fines or imprisonment as determined by the court.
- Education and Training:
- The FTC shall provide resources and training for entities to ensure understanding and compliance with the Act’s provisions.
End of Act
The Truthful Information and Media Integrity Act of 2024 aims to ensure that all information disseminated to the public is accurate and truthful, with clear guidelines and penalties for violations. The Act allows for the publication of fictional content with appropriate disclaimers, ensuring transparency and protecting the integrity of information.
