California passes AI laws to curb election deepfakes, protect actors

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed into law a raft of artificial intelligence bills Tuesday, aimed at curbing the effects of deepfakes during elections and protecting Hollywood performers from their likenesses being replicated by AI without their consent. There is growing worry about deepfakes circulating during the 2024 campaign, and concerns over Hollywood’s use of artificial intelligence were a prominent part of last year’s historic actors strike .

California is home to “32 of the world’s 50 leading AI companies, high-impact research and education institutions,” according to Newsom’s office, forcing his government to balance the public’s welfare with the ambitions of a rapidly evolving industry..