California Law Targets Distributors of AI Deepfakes in Elections

California Law Targets Distributors of AI Deepfakes in Elections

A new California law is taking aim at the distributors of AI deepfakes that resemble candidates on California ballots and are known to be false and likely to cause confusion. The law, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, can impact any social media user who posts or reposts election-related AI deepfakes with malice.

The use of AI deepfakes in political campaigns has become a growing concern in recent years. These videos use artificial intelligence to manipulate footage of candidates, making it appear as though they are saying or doing things they never actually did. This can be particularly damaging during election season, when voters are trying to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

The new California law is designed to combat this problem by holding distributors of AI deepfakes accountable for their actions. Under the law, anyone who sees an AI deepfake on social media can file for injunctive relief, meaning a judge could order the poster to take it down or issue monetary damages against them.

One high-profile example of the potential impact of this law is Elon Musk, who reposted a deepfake earlier this year that made it appear Kamala Harris called herself an incompetent candidate and a diversity hire. While Musk may not have created the deepfake himself, his decision to share it with his millions of followers could be seen as malicious under the new law.

The California law is just one example of the growing efforts to combat the use of AI deepfakes in elections. In 2019, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the Department of Homeland Security to study the use of deepfakes in elections and develop strategies for countering them.

As the use of AI deepfakes becomes more widespread, it is likely that we will see more laws and regulations aimed at combating their use. While these efforts may not completely eliminate the problem, they can help to ensure that voters have access to accurate information during election season.