Breaking News: California’s New Law Takes Aim at AI Deepfakes Deceiving Voters - What You Need to Know
In a groundbreaking move, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law that could have serious legal consequences for social media users who post or repost AI deepfakes aimed at deceiving voters about upcoming elections. This law, known as AB 2839, immediately went into effect and targets those who knowingly distribute deceptive content, including deepfakes, related to election communications.
What sets AB 2839 apart is that it focuses on the distributors of AI deepfakes rather than the creators or platforms they appear on. Anyone who sees an AI deepfake on social media now has the power to file for injunctive relief, potentially resulting in the removal of the content or monetary damages against the poster. This law is seen as one of the strongest in America against election-related AI deepfakes, especially as we head into the 2024 presidential election.
The California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), a key sponsor of AB 2839, emphasized that this law can impact any social media user who posts or reposts election-related AI deepfakes with malicious intent. Malicious intent refers to knowingly spreading false content that is likely to confuse voters.
Governor Newsom has not ruled out the possibility of legal action against high-profile figures like Elon Musk, who has reposted AI deepfakes in the past. The new law bans election-related AI deepfakes across various platforms, including TV, radio, phone, texts, and internet communications. It also establishes stricter rules around posting about political candidates on social media within a specific timeframe before and after California elections.
The ultimate goal of AB 2839 is to prevent the fraudulent impact of deepfakes on elections and to safeguard the democratic process. While the law applies to candidates for state and local elections in California, as well as federal candidates on California's ballot, it does not cover digitally altered deepfakes with an obvious disclaimer.
Elon Musk, known for pushing boundaries, has already tested the limits of California's new law by reposting AI deepfakes, garnering millions of impressions. This move comes amidst other legal challenges facing Musk and his company X, including fines related to content moderation issues in other countries.
In conclusion, California's new law targeting AI deepfakes is a significant step towards protecting the integrity of elections and combating misinformation. It serves as a warning to social media users, including high-profile individuals like Elon Musk, about the legal consequences of spreading deceptive content. As we move forward, it is essential for everyone to be vigilant about the information they share online to uphold the principles of democracy and fair elections.