California has taken a significant step towards regulating the artificial intelligence industry, passing a wave of bills this week aimed at addressing the ethical, societal, and economic implications of this rapidly evolving technology. The state legislature, controlled by Democrats, approved these proposals in the final week of their session, sending them to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for consideration.
One of the most prominent areas of focus is the fight against deepfakes, particularly those used to manipulate elections and create harmful content. Lawmakers have approved measures to ban deepfakes related to elections, requiring social media platforms to remove such content in the months leading up to and following Election Day. Campaigns will also be required to disclose the use of AI-altered materials in their ads. Additionally, new laws make it illegal to create AI-generated images and videos of child sexual abuse, addressing a gap in existing law. Tech companies and social media platforms will be required to provide users with AI detection tools.
California could become the first state in the nation to establish sweeping safety measures for large AI models. The legislation mandates developers to disclose the data used to train their models, providing greater transparency into how these powerful systems operate and preventing potential misuse. The state is also tasked with setting safety protocols to mitigate risks and algorithmic discrimination before agencies can enter contracts involving AI models for decision-making.
Inspired by the Hollywood actors’ strike last year, lawmakers have approved a measure to protect workers, including voice actors and audiobook performers, from being replaced by AI-generated clones. This measure aligns with the contract SAG-AFTRA reached with studios last December. The use of AI to replace call center workers in state and local agencies is also prohibited. California could also introduce penalties for digitally cloning deceased individuals without their estates’ consent.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, California lawmakers have also focused on promoting AI literacy. One proposal calls for a state working group to explore incorporating AI skills into math, science, history, and social science curriculums. Another proposal aims to develop guidelines for schools on the responsible use of AI in the classroom.
These legislative efforts demonstrate California’s commitment to navigating the complex landscape of artificial intelligence. The bills address a wide range of concerns, from the potential for AI-driven manipulation and exploitation to the need for transparency, worker protections, and responsible use of this powerful technology.
