California has banned political deepfakes during election season

California has passed a law meant to prevent altered “deepfake” videos from influencing elections, in a plan that has raised free speech concerns.

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 730, which makes it a crime to distribute audio or video that gives a false, damaging impression of a politician’s words or actions. The law applies to any candidate within 60 days of an election, but includes some exceptions. News media will be exempt from the requirement, as will videos made for satire or parody. Potentially deceptive video or audio will also be allowed if it includes a disclaimer noting that it’s fake. The law will sunset in 2023.

While the word “deepfake” doesn’t appear in the legislation, the bill...

Continue reading…