Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed eight laws addressing challenges in the field of artificial intelligence. These laws aim to tackle issues such as existential risks posed by AI systems, the creation of deepfake nude images by AI image generators, and the use of AI clones to recreate performances of deceased actors by Hollywood studios.
Among these, SB926 criminalizes the creation and distribution of deepfake nude images, stipulating that using AI-generated nude images resembling another person to extort them is illegal. SB981 mandates that social media platforms establish channels for users to report deepfake nude images resembling themselves. During the investigation, the related content must be temporarily blocked, and once confirmed, it must be permanently deleted.
Image Source Note: The image is generated by AI, provided by the image licensing service Midjourney
SB942 requires widely used generative AI systems to disclose in the source data of their content that it is AI-generated. For example, all images created by OpenAI's Dall-E now need to include a small label in their metadata indicating they are AI-generated.
Additionally, Newsom also signed three laws to combat AI deepfakes that could impact elections. A new California law, AB2655, requires large online platforms (like Facebook and X) to remove or flag AI deepfake content related to elections and create channels for reporting such content. If these platforms do not comply with the law, candidates and elected officials can seek injunction relief.
Another law, AB2839, targets social media users who publish or share AI deepfake videos that could deceive voters in an upcoming election. The law took effect immediately on Tuesday, and Newsom hinted that Elon Musk might be at risk of violating this law.
Lastly, Newsom signed two more laws establishing new standards for the media industry in California. AB2602 requires studios to obtain permission from actors before creating AI reproductions of their voices or images. Meanwhile, AB1836 prohibits studios from creating digital replicas of deceased performers without the consent of their estates.