Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a set of laws aimed at combating the use of deepfake technology in political contexts, marking the most aggressive measures yet in the U.S. to curb AI-generated disinformation. The new law specifically targets digitally altered videos, audio, and images used to deceive voters, requiring large social media platforms to remove or label such content if it is related to elections. It also allows politicians and other public officials to seek legal action against platforms that fail to comply.
This move comes in response to rising concerns about AI's potential to disrupt elections and manipulate public opinion through hyper-realistic deepfakes. One of the new laws bans the creation and distribution of deceptive deepfakes for 120 days leading up to an election, while another mandates that political ads using AI must include disclaimers indicating the content has been altered.
Newsom’s actions follow his public rebuke of Elon Musk earlier this year after Musk shared an AI-altered video of Vice President Kamala Harris. The governor emphasized that these laws are crucial to maintaining election integrity in the face of rapidly advancing AI technologies that make it easier to deceive voters with fake content
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com