California Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Combat Use of Deepfakes in Election Campaigns

The measures seek to protect the integrity of elections by ensuring online platforms remove misleading content and provide voters.Photo byMarkus SpiskeonUnsplash

Taking a firm stand against disinformation in political campaigns, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed three new laws aimed at curbing the use of deepfakes and other deceptive AI-generated content in California elections. The measures seek to protect the integrity of elections by ensuring online platforms remove misleading content and provide voters with accurate information.

“Safeguarding the integrity of elections is essential to democracy, and it’s critical that we ensure AI is not deployed to undermine the public’s trust through disinformation – especially in today’s fraught political climate,” said Governor Newsom. “These measures will help to combat the harmful use of deepfakes in political ads and other content.”

Key Legislation Signed

• AB 2655 (Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park): Requires large online platforms to remove or label deceptive and digitally altered election-related content and provides mechanisms for users to report such content. It also allows candidates, officials, and government agencies to seek legal action against platforms for noncompliance.
• AB 2839 (Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz): Expands the prohibition on distributing AI-generated or manipulated election content, allowing officials to seek civil action against the spread of deceptive materials, especially during sensitive election periods.
• AB 2355 (Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles): Mandates that political ads using AI-generated or substantially altered content include clear disclosures. The Fair Political Practices Commission is empowered to enforce compliance through legal action.

Assemblymember Berman praised the Governor’s decision, emphasizing the importance of preventing AI-generated deepfakes from undermining elections. “AB 2655 is a first-in-the-nation solution to this growing threat,” Berman stated.

A Broader Approach to Election Security

These bills build on previous legislation signed by Governor Newsom in 2019 aimed at tackling deepfakes in elections. Earlier today, the Governor also signed a separate bill protecting actors and performers from unauthorized use of their likeness via AI.

California, home to many of the world’s leading AI companies, has taken a proactive approach to regulating the use of AI, working to harness its benefits while addressing potential risks. Governor Newsom recently launched an AI collaboration with NVIDIA and hosted an AI summit to explore responsible uses of the technology.