Newsom signs law regulating election-related deepfakes on social media

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Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed a new law focused on regulating the use of election-related deepfakes on social media. The law prohibits the intentional distribution of advertisements or election communications that include materially deceptive content, such as deepfakes, within 120 days before and 60 days after Election Day.

The legislation grants courts the authority to block the spread of content that violates the law, and civil penalties may be applied. Newsom highlighted the importance of protecting the integrity of elections, noting that AI-generated disinformation could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. This law is part of broader efforts by California to address the challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Other states, including Florida, Michigan, Arizona, and Texas, have also implemented regulations aimed at controlling the use of AI and deepfakes in elections.