California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently reviewing 38 AI-related bills, including the controversial SB 1047, which has been passed by the state legislature and is awaiting his final approval. These bills aim to tackle various crucial issues related to artificial intelligence, ranging from the potential risks posed by advanced AI systems to the creation of deepfake nudes using AI image generators and the emergence of AI clones of deceased performers in Hollywood.
In a recent press release, Governor Newsom’s office highlighted California’s role as a hub for leading AI companies and emphasized the state’s efforts to leverage transformative technologies to address critical challenges while also studying the associated risks. So far, Newsom has signed eight of the proposed bills into law, making them some of the most comprehensive AI regulations in the United States.
One of the key areas addressed by the new laws is the creation and dissemination of deepfake nudes. Newsom signed two bills targeting this issue, with SB 926 making it illegal to blackmail individuals using AI-generated nude images resembling them, and SB 981 requiring social media platforms to establish reporting channels for deepfake nudes and take necessary actions to remove such content.
Another significant development is the introduction of watermarks on AI-generated content to help the public identify such material. SB 942 mandates that widely used generative AI systems disclose their AI-generated nature in the content’s provenance data, making it easier for users to differentiate between AI-generated and authentic content.
In a move to safeguard election integrity, Governor Newsom signed three laws aimed at combating AI deepfakes that could influence electoral outcomes. AB 2655 requires large online platforms to remove or label election-related AI deepfakes, while AB 2839 targets social media users who share deceptive AI-generated content. Additionally, AB 2355 mandates the disclosure of AI-generated political advertisements to prevent misleading information.
The entertainment industry is also impacted by the new AI laws, with AB 2602 requiring studios to obtain permission from actors before creating AI-generated replicas of their voice or likeness, and AB 1836 prohibiting the creation of digital replicas of deceased performers without consent from their estates.
As Governor Newsom evaluates the remaining 30 AI-related bills, including the pivotal SB 1047, discussions around regulating the AI industry more broadly are gaining momentum. Stay tuned for updates on the AI laws signed by California’s governor and the implications for the future regulation of artificial intelligence.
