California Passes Nine AI Content Regulation Laws to Combat Deepfakes

Governor of California Signs Nine AI-Content Regulation Bills:

A New Era for Digital Accountability

Governor Gavin Newsom signs nine laws to address AI-generated content risks, including deepfakes, performer rights, and election integrity.

In a groundbreaking move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed nine new bills aimed at curbing the risks posed by AI-generated content, especially deepfakes. These laws are designed to protect individuals, performers, and democratic institutions while balancing innovation with accountability.

 

Tackling AI Risks: Newsom’s Legislative Strategy

With 29 additional AI-related bills awaiting his decision, Newsom’s latest actions highlight the urgency of addressing emerging digital threats. For instance, the most controversial measure, SB 1047, demands that AI developers implement safety protocols to prevent misuse that could result in mass casualties or cyberattacks. However, while Newsom hasn’t confirmed whether he will sign SB 1047, the bill has already sparked intense debate within the tech and legal communities.

 

Protecting Performers and Their Digital Identities

Among the signed bills, two specifically target the unauthorised use of actors’ digital likenesses:

• AB 1836 prohibits the commercial use of AI-generated deepfakes of deceased performers without estate approval. This includes films, TV, audiobooks, and video games.
• AB 2602 mandates formal contracts for AI-generated use of a performer’s voice or image. These contracts must involve a professional representative.

Notably, Newsom stated, “Our North Star has always been to protect workers. This legislation reinforces how likeness can be used, while supporting the entertainment industry’s growth.”

 

Combatting Sexually Explicit Deepfakes

Meanwhile, three new laws aim to prevent the exploitation of individuals through sexually explicit deepfake content:

• SB 926 criminalises the creation and distribution of fake, realistic sexual content meant to harm or distress.
• SB 981 requires social media platforms to let users report such deepfakes and mandates the temporary removal of flagged content during investigations.
• SB 942 obligates AI tools to embed invisible watermarks on generated content and provide detection tools to verify authenticity.

In response to growing concern, Newsom emphasised, “No one should fear being digitally exploited. We must protect Californians from the dark side of AI.”

 

Ensuring Integrity in Political Campaigns

As election season approaches, maintaining political integrity becomes even more essential. Therefore, four additional laws tackle AI misuse in political communications:

• AB 2655 requires major platforms to remove or label misleading AI-altered political content or offer a reporting tool.
• AB 2839 extends the period during which political ads using misleading AI content are banned.
• AB 2355 ensures political ads disclose when AI has been used to generate or alter content.
• AB 2905 mandates that robocalls inform recipients if the voice used is AI-generated.

Consequently, Newsom declared, “AI should never be used to manipulate public opinion through deceit. These laws help uphold trust in our democratic systems.”

 

The Road Ahead: Balancing Innovation and Ethics

Looking ahead, California is setting a national precedent in regulating AI, effectively navigating the complex intersection of innovation and ethical responsibility. As generative AI becomes more widespread, other states and federal lawmakers are likely to view California’s model as a blueprint for future legislation.

Ultimately, these laws not only protect citizens from harm but also support creative industries, ensure fair political processes, and safeguard public trust in technology.

 

Governor Gavin Newsom signs nine laws to address AI-generated content risks, including deepfakes, performer rights, and election integrity.

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