California Lawmakers Pass Legislation to Ban Deepfakes, Protect Workers and Regulate AI

California lawmakers have approved a series of proposals aimed at regulating the artificial intelligence industry, combating deepfakes and protecting workers from exploitation by the rapidly evolving technology.

The California Legislature, which is controlled by Democrats, is voting on hundreds of bills in the final week of the session to send to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.

The Democratic governor has until Sept. 30 to sign the proposals, veto them or let them become law without his signature. Newsom signaled in July that he would sign a proposal to crack down on voter fraud, but has not weighed in on other legislation.

He warned earlier this summer that overregulation could hurt domestic industry. In recent years, he often cited the state’s budget woes when vetoing legislation he would otherwise support.

Here’s a look at some of the AI ​​bills passed by lawmakers this year.

Combating Deepfakes

Citing concerns about how AI tools are increasingly being used to trick voters and generate fake child pornography, California lawmakers approved several bills this week to crack down on the practice.

Lawmakers approved legislation to ban election-related deepfakes and require major social media platforms to remove misleading material 120 days before Election Day and 60 days afterward. Campaigns should also publicly disclose whether they are running ads with AI-modified material.

A pair of proposals would make it illegal to use AI tools to create images and videos of child sexual abuse. Current law does not allow district attorneys to search for people who possess or distribute AI-generated images of child abuse unless they can prove the materials depict a real person.

Tech companies and social media platforms should provide users with AI detection tools under another proposal.

Establishing safety railings

California could become the first state in the nation to establish extensive safeguards on large AI models.

Legislation sent by lawmakers to the governor’s office requires developers to begin disclosing what data they use to train their models. The efforts aim to shed more light on how AI models work and prevent future catastrophic disasters.

Another measure would require the state to establish safety protocols to prevent algorithmic risks and discrimination before agencies can enter into any contracts involving AI models used to inform decisions.

Protection of workers

Inspired by last year’s months-long Hollywood actors’ strike, lawmakers approved a proposal to protect workers, including voice actors and audiobook performers, from being replaced by AI-generated clones of themselves. The measure mirrors language in the contract SAG-AFTRA struck with the studios last December.

Under one proposal, state and local agencies would be prohibited from using AI to replace call center workers.

California can also create penalties for digitally cloning dead people without the consent of their estates.

Keep up with technology

As corporations increasingly weave AI into the everyday lives of Americans, state lawmakers have passed even more bills to increase AI literacy.

One proposal would ask a state task force to consider incorporating AI skills into math, science, history and social studies curricula. Another would develop guidelines on how schools could use AI in classrooms.

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California Legislation InsurTech Data-Driven Artificial Intelligence