SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Governor Gavin Newsom took a significant step forward in safeguarding the integrity of elections by signing three bills into law aimed at combating the use of artificial intelligence to create false images or videos in political ads ahead of the 2024 election.
One of the new laws makes it illegal to create and publish deepfakes related to elections within 120 days before Election Day and 60 days thereafter, with provisions for courts to intervene and impose penalties on violators. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of preventing AI from being misused to spread disinformation that could undermine public trust in the political process, especially in today’s divisive political climate.
In addition to the immediate enforcement of this law, large social media platforms will also be required to remove deceptive materials under another groundbreaking law set to go into effect next year. Furthermore, political campaigns must disclose if they are running ads that have been altered by AI, further increasing transparency in political advertising.
Governor Newsom’s proactive approach in signing these bills underscores California’s leadership in regulating AI, particularly in combating election-related deepfakes. The state’s pioneering efforts have served as a model for lawmakers across the nation in addressing the growing threat of AI-generated disinformation in elections.
With less than 50 days remaining until the general election, the urgency to protect against misleading digital content is clear. Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, the author of the law banning election deepfakes, emphasized the state’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic process from manipulative technologies.
Governor Newsom’s decision to sign these bills was prompted by a recent incident involving altered images of Vice President Kamala Harris in a video posted by X-owner Elon Musk, highlighting the potential dangers posed by deepfake technology in influencing public opinion.
The new California laws align with federal efforts to regulate AI in elections, as members of Congress introduced legislation on the same day to empower the Federal Election Commission to oversee AI use in political campaigns. This marks a significant step towards ensuring fair and transparent elections free from manipulative technologies.
Newsom’s vision for California as a pioneer in AI regulation extends beyond elections, with plans to deploy generative AI tools for various public services while also considering regulations to prevent AI discrimination in hiring practices. The state’s multifaceted approach highlights its commitment to harnessing AI for societal good while safeguarding against potential misuse.
In a continued effort to protect individuals’ rights, Governor Newsom also signed bills to protect Hollywood performers from unauthorized AI use without their consent, further strengthening privacy protections for individuals in the digital age.
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