Latvia - May 2024

On 9 May, Parliament approved amendments to the Criminal Law, which criminalise the use of deep fake technology to influence an election process. Deep fakes refer to photos, video, audio and other media that have been digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence. The changes make it illegal to produce or disseminate information made using deep fake technology that is intentionally inaccurate to discredit political parties and electoral candidates standing in parliamentary, local or European Parliament elections. The criminal offense carries a maximum five-year jail sentence (but can also entail community service), and applies to content created or circulated as part of the pre-election campaign or on election day. The law entered into force on 22 May. On the same day, President Edgars Rinkēvičs proposed further amendments to the Criminal Law which extend to the use of deep fake technology to influence an ongoing election, appointment or confirmation process of a public official by the Parliament.

Sources: Saeima (1), Saeima (2), Likumi, LV, Delfi, Office of the President, LSM