Artificially generated informational outputs of generative ML models are called synthetic. Synthetic data is output that has analytic value for research or AI-model creation. Synthetic media is informational output that is consumed as content. Synthetic data are believed to be a promising solution to overcoming privacy, data scarcity and bias concerns. The value of synthetic data in relation to these problems depends on the context. Synthetic media come in three categories: lawful, ‘lawful but awful,’ and illegal. Synthetic content can be regulated in legal or technical ways, or through human content verification.