California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has taken a major step towards protecting the public from the dangers of deepfakes by signing three new artificial intelligence (AI) bills into law on Thursday. These bills are aimed at preventing the misuse of sexually explicit deepfakes, a growing concern in today’s digital age.
Deepfakes are highly realistic manipulated images, audio, or video that use AI technology to create a false representation of a person. They have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with the ability to deceive and manipulate viewers into believing something that is not real. This has raised serious concerns about the potential for deepfakes to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading false information or damaging someone’s reputation.
Gov. Newsom’s signature on these three AI-related bills is a significant move towards protecting the public from the harmful effects of deepfakes. The first bill, AB 602, requires anyone creating sexually explicit deepfakes to disclose that the content is manipulated. This will help prevent the spread of false information and protect individuals from being unknowingly featured in these fake videos.
The second bill, AB 730, makes it illegal to distribute sexually explicit deepfakes of someone without their consent. This is a crucial step in protecting individuals from having their images or videos used without their knowledge or permission. It also provides a legal recourse for those whose images have been used in deepfakes without their consent.
The third bill, AB 602, expands the definition of cyber exploitation to include the use of deepfakes for the purpose of sexual gratification or to cause harm to the victim. This will help law enforcement to more effectively prosecute those who create and distribute deepfakes for malicious purposes.
These new laws are the latest efforts by the Golden State to regulate the use of AI technology and protect the public from its potential misuse. California has been at the forefront of regulating AI, with the state passing the first-ever law requiring bots to identify themselves as non-human in 2018. Gov. Newsom’s actions further solidify California’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to regulating emerging technologies.
In a statement, Gov. Newsom emphasized the importance of protecting individuals from the harmful effects of deepfakes, stating, “The misuse of deepfakes can have serious consequences for people’s lives, including damage to their reputation and emotional well-being. These laws will help prevent the spread of deepfakes and hold those who create and distribute them accountable.”
The signing of these bills has been praised by many, including the bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). Berman stated, “Deepfakes are a serious threat to our democracy and personal privacy. These new laws will help protect Californians from the malicious use of this technology and ensure that those who create and distribute deepfakes are held accountable.”
The use of AI technology, including deepfakes, is only expected to increase in the coming years. As such, it is crucial to have regulations in place to prevent its misuse and protect the public. Gov. Newsom’s actions serve as a model for other states to follow in regulating AI and protecting their citizens.
In conclusion, Gov. Newsom’s signing of these three AI-related bills is a significant step towards protecting the public from the dangers of deepfakes. These laws will help prevent the spread of false information and protect individuals from having their images or videos used without their consent. California continues to lead the way in regulating emerging technologies, and these laws are a testament to the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
