The Evolution of the Smith-Mundt Act and Domestic Propaganda We can examine the legislative history of the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948, which originally prohibited the domestic dissemination of government-produced information (like Voice of America) to prevent propaganda. Discussion can include the controversial 2013 Modernization Act that repealed this ban, the arguments for transparency versus the risks of covert influence, and recent legislative attempts by Rep. Thomas Massie to reinstate the prohibition.