SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers have made significant strides this week in regulating the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, combatting deepfakes, and safeguarding workers from potential exploitation due to the rapid advancements in technology.
As the California Legislature approaches the final week of its session, lawmakers are advancing numerous bills to be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom. With a deadline set for Saturday, the Democratic-controlled legislature is pushing forward on these important issues.
Gov. Newsom has until September 30 to either sign the proposals, veto them, or allow them to become law without his signature. He previously indicated support for a measure aimed at addressing election-related deepfakes but has yet to comment on other proposed legislation.
In light of the challenges posed by AI, California lawmakers have responded with a series of proposed regulations designed to crack down on the deceptive use of AI technologies.
One key piece of legislation aims to prohibit deepfakes associated with election campaigns, obligating major social media platforms to remove misleading content 120 days prior to Election Day and 60 days after. Additionally, campaigns will be required to disclose the use of AI-altered materials in their advertisements.
Lawmakers also approved measures to outlaw the creation of AI-generated images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Currently, the law does not provide a means for prosecution if the content is proven to be AI-generated.
To enhance accountability, technology companies would be mandated to equip users with AI detection tools under a separate proposal.
California is poised to potentially lead the nation in imposing rigorous safety standards on large AI models, with legislation requiring developers to disclose the data used in model training. This initiative aims to foster transparency in AI operations and avert future catastrophic events.
Another significant measure mandates the establishment of safety protocols to prevent algorithmic discrimination and risks before any agency can engage with AI models to make critical decisions.
In response to concerns raised during last year’s Hollywood actors strike, lawmakers have also approved protections for workers, including voice actors and audiobook performers, from being replaced by AI-generated replicas. Similar protections would prevent state and local agencies from utilizing AI to replace call center workers.
Furthermore, California is considering introducing penalties for the unauthorized digital cloning of deceased individuals.
Recognizing the growing integration of AI into daily life, the California Legislature also passed bills aimed at enhancing AI literacy. One proposal advocates for a working group to explore the inclusion of AI skills in educational curriculums, while another seeks to establish guidelines for utilizing AI in classroom settings.
