The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom has escalated, with Musk firing back at Newsom’s threat of legal action over his use of memes and deepfakes. The governor has denied any intention to suppress parodies, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the law. This latest development stems from Newsom signing a law earlier this week that bans political ‘deepfakes’, leading Musk to accuse Newsom of attempting to outlaw parody.
Newsom has clarified his position, stating that parody remains legal in California. However, he maintains the need for the law to protect against the manipulation of elections through deepfakes. The governor has also indicated that the law allows for injunction relief, suggesting his potential legal action against Musk is not unfounded.
Musk’s response to Newsom’s potential legal action was a simple but pointed “Amazing.” He later echoed the sentiment of Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, who called the law “Unconstitutional.” The tech mogul’s criticisms highlight growing concerns surrounding the misuse of AI to create deepfakes. These concerns are not unfounded, as studies have shown the increasing prevalence of deepfakes, particularly targeting politicians and celebrities. Earlier this year, AI image generation tools linked to election misinformation scandals raised further alarm.
The debate underscores the complexities of regulating AI in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. While concerns over deepfakes’ potential to undermine democracy and spread misinformation are valid, there is also a need to protect free speech and the right to parody. As the use of AI continues to advance, finding the right balance between these competing concerns will be crucial.
