1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Ad network” means any entity whose business is to facilitate the placement of advertisements on behalf of a third party for a fee by buying or selling directly or indirectly advertisement space on third-party online platforms, websites, software applications, or social media sites seeking to host advertisements.
   2. (2) “Online platform” means an online platform as defined in Election Law Article, §1-101(dd-1), Annotated Code of Maryland, and has $10,000,000 or greater in gross revenue.

   3. (3) “Political advertiser purchaser” means any of the following to the extent it seeks to make a qualifying paid digital communication on an online platform:

      1. (a) A political committee;
      2. (b) A candidate;
      3. (c) A person required to register to file an independent expenditure report pursuant to Election Law Article, §13-306, Annotated Code of Maryland;
      4. (d) A person required to register to file an election communication report pursuant to Election Law Article, §13-307, Annotated Code of Maryland;
      5. (e) A participating organization;
      6. (f) An out-of-State political committee required to file a campaign finance report;
      7. (g) An agent as defined in COMAR 13.07.07.01;
      8. (h) A foreign principal as defined in Election Law Article, §13-236.1, Annotated Code of Maryland; and
      9. (i) An individual required to register with the Attorney General of the United States pursuant to 22 U.S.C. §§611 – 621, the Foreign Agent Registration Act of 1938.

Authority: Election Article, §§1-101, 2-102(b)(4), and 13-405, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: December 25, 2023 (50:25 Md. R. 1090)