Gov. Newsom Signs AI Regulation Bills Targeting Deepfakes in Elections and Entertainment

New laws in California aim to curb AI-generated misinformation and protect digital likenesses of performers.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several bills on September 17, 2024, to regulate the use of AI in elections and the entertainment industry.
The Defending Democracy from Deepfake Deception Act mandates large online platforms to remove or label deceptive election-related content and allows legal action if platforms fail to comply.
Elon Musk criticized the new law, resharing a deepfake video of Vice President Kamala Harris and claiming it violates free speech.
Two additional bills protect actors' digital likenesses, requiring consent for AI-generated replicas and prohibiting the use of deceased performers' images without estate approval.
Newsom expressed uncertainty about broader AI regulations, specifically Senate Bill 1047, citing concerns over stifling innovation and the potential impact on California's tech dominance.