Newsom signs deepfake, other AI bills into law in California
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Thursday signed multiple artificial intelligence (AI) bills aimed at preventing the misuse of sexually explicit deepfakes.
Newsom's signature on the three AI-related bills marks the Golden State's latest efforts to place guardrails on the advancing technology amid concerns over the spread of deepfakes, which can generate images, audio, video and digitally alter likeness and voices.
The set of laws establishes new mandates for AI developers and social media companies to prevent irresponsible use of the technology.
“We’re in an era where digital tools like AI have immense capabilities, but they can also be abused against other people,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re stepping up to protect Californians.”
One of the three laws — SB 926 — makes it illegal to create and circulate sexually explicit images of a real person that appear real and cause the person "serious emotional distress."
SB 981 mandates social media platforms create ways for users to report sexually explicit deepfakes of themselves, to which the companies must temporarily block the content while an investigation takes place.
The third bill, SB 942, requires AI-generated content to come with a disclosure for users to more easily be able to identify this type of content.
California is home to 32 of the world's "50 leading AI companies," according to Newsom's office, and has become a major hub for AI-related legislation as a result. Earlier this week, Newsom signed two other bills aimed at protecting actors and performers from having their names, images and likenesses copied by artificial intelligence without authorization.
A flurry of Hollywood stars has begun speaking out about what they feel is a lack of safeguards surrounding the rapidly developing technology.
In her endorsement of Vice President Harris earlier this month, megastar Taylor Swift cited her concerns about the technology's power to deceive people. She specifically noted how former President Trump shared several fake images of her and her fans last month, claiming he had her support.
Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, a labor union representing performers and broadcasters, applauded Newsom's signing of the bills this week, stating they will help ensure the protection of Hollywood figures.
The California governor has yet to sign a major AI regulation bill, known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, which passed in the state Legislature last month. He must sign or veto it by Sept. 30.
AI startups, major technology firms, researchers and some lawmakers are divided over whether the legislation would throttle the development of the quickly advancing technology or establish much-needed guardrails.
Newsom is facing pressure from both sides of the argument, especially from those in Silicon Valley.
The governor has indicated skepticism about reining in AI technology, which could bring large amounts of money to the Golden State, but he has remained tight-lipped about the bill. When reached for comment on Monday, the governor’s office told The Hill the measure “will be evaluated on its merits.”
Date: | |
Tag: | California |
Topics
-
ABC News - Top stories
Highway crash injures 8 Southern California firefighters
Authorities say eight firefighters have been injured in a severe highway crash involving a fire truck in Southern California10 hours ago - California -
The New York Times - Business
Now That Rates Are Falling, Let’s Turn to Other Matters
The Federal Reserve has at last cut interest rates but our columnist points out a host of concerns that could weigh on financial markets.2 hours ago -
BBC News - Top stories
Trans woman killed in Georgia day after anti-LGBT law passed
Activists said Kesaria Abramidze had been a "trailblazing" transgender leader in the South Caucasus country.11 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Trump’s threats to ‘go after’ opponents will subvert rule of law, experts warn
Trump’s escalating legal threats against lawyers, donors and others raise concern as Project 2025 seeks to curtail DoJ. Donald Trump ’s sweeping threats if he wins the presidency again to name a ...7 hours ago - Donald Trump -
CBS News - Top stories
8 firefighters injured in fire truck rollover on Southern California freeway
The firefighters had been battling the massive Airport Fire prior to the crash, officials said.15 hours ago - California -
ABC News - Top stories
8 firefighters hurt, 2 critically, in fire truck rollover crash
Eight firefighters were injured when the fire truck they were driving in rolled over as it returned from battling the Airport Fire wildfire in Southern California.22 minutes ago -
Yahoo News - World
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs four properties in Spain
10 hours ago -
Yahoo Sports - Sports
Former Oilers Forward Signs New PTO
The former Edmonton Oilers forward did not play in the NHL last season.5 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Packed houses and superstars have made this a WNBA season unlike any other
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, alongside established stars, have helped the league reach a new level of popularity as the playoffs approach. As the NFL’s Colts clashed with the Packers in Wisconsin ...9 hours ago - WNBA
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Putin's conceptual error: A language does not a nation make
Russian President Vladimir Putin's belief that Russians and Ukrainians are one people is based on a highly inaccurate reconstruction of Russian and Ukrainian history, and the shared language of the ...41 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Red states ask court to reject Google privacy settlement
A group of Republican-led states have asked a U.S. appeals court to reject a $62 million consumer privacy settlement with Google, citing large amounts of money awards going to class members' ...45 minutes ago - Google -
The Hill - Politics
Nate Silver finds Harris with edge on Trump for first time since Aug. 28
Vice President Harris has taken the lead in pollster Nate Silver's election forecast and model for the first time since Aug. 28. Harris now leads in the polling aggregation with 48.9 percent to ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
A lesson for CBS: Live fact-checking is incompatible with good debate moderation
ABC News moderators Lindsey Davis and David Muir fact-checked former President Donald Trump during a presidential debate, raising questions about the impartiality of media network debate events and ...1 hour ago -
The Hill - Politics
Jill Biden: 'We have to have a peaceful transfer of power' in January
First lady Jill Biden emphasized the importance of a “peaceful transfer of power” in January in an article from NBC News that published Friday. “I think we have to vote. As Americans, you know, ...1 hour ago