Provision record
Synthesia · Synthesia Acceptable Use Policy · View original document ↗

Stock Avatar Political and News Content Restriction

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Document Record

What it is

The AUP prohibits use of Stock Avatars in television programs, news broadcasts, fundraising activities, political campaigns, or commentary on polarizing topics without written consent from Synthesia; Custom Avatar use in these contexts requires both an eligible service plan and individual consent.

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This analysis describes what Synthesia's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision restricts a category of high-risk synthetic media deployment involving political, journalistic, and public interest content, and establishes a consent-gated framework that differentiates between Stock and Custom Avatar use cases across service tiers.

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Interpretive note: The phrase 'topics that may be polarizing or sensitive to certain demographics' is not defined in the AUP, creating interpretive uncertainty about the scope of content subject to the consent requirement.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this clause, organizations using Synthesia for political communications, news production, or commentary on sensitive current events must obtain written authorization from Synthesia before deploying Stock Avatars in those contexts. Custom Avatar use for these purposes requires both plan eligibility and individual consent from the depicted person.

Cross-platform context

See how other platforms handle Stock Avatar Political and News Content Restriction and similar clauses.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Using a Stock Avatar in a TV program, news broadcast, fundraise or political campaign, or in the dissemination of any commentary around current events, politics or topics that may be polarizing or sensitive to certain demographics, absent written consent from Synthesia - in the case of a Custom Avatar, you may do so only on certain Services plans and with appropriate consent from the individual.

Excerpt from Synthesia's Acceptable Use Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision engages election integrity and campaign finance regulations in the US, EU, and UK, where the use of AI-generated synthetic media in political advertising is subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Provision details

Document information
Document
Synthesia Acceptable Use Policy
Entity
Synthesia
Document last updated
May 12, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
July 12, 2026
Last verified
July 12, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-074398
Document ID
CA-D-00845
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
f54627c7e518b1b0d6ae80c7ae516572f5784b5664015113e3233efdb25fde80
Analysis generated
July 12, 2026 16:15 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Synthesia
Document: Synthesia Acceptable Use Policy
Record ID: CA-P-074398
Captured: 2026-07-12 16:15:30 UTC
SHA-256: f54627c7e518b1b0…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/synthesia/synthesia-acceptable-use-policy/provision/CA-P-074398/stock-avatar-political-and-news-content-restriction/
Accessed: Sept. 26, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Synthesia's Stock Avatar Political and News Content Restriction clause do?

This provision restricts a category of high-risk synthetic media deployment involving political, journalistic, and public interest content, and establishes a consent-gated framework that differentiates between Stock and Custom Avatar use cases across service tiers.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this clause, organizations using Synthesia for political communications, news production, or commentary on sensitive current events must obtain written authorization from Synthesia before deploying Stock Avatars in those contexts. Custom Avatar use for these purposes requires both plan eligibility and individual consent from the depicted person.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Synthesia?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Synthesia.