Newsom Signs Law Banning Political Deepfakes Within 60 Days Of Elections

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 18: California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference at the California justice department on September 18, 2019 in Sacramento, California. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, California attorney general Xavier Becerra and California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols held a news conference in response to the Trump Administration's plan to revoke California’s waiver to establish vehicle emissions standards for greenhouse gas emissions and standards to require manufacturers to sell zero emissions vehicles. Under the federal Clean Air Act, California is allowed to set its own vehicle emissions standards that are at least as protective as the federal government’s standards. The state has received 100 waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for higher standards than federally mandated over the past 50 years. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference at the California justice department on September 18, 2019 in Sacramento, California.

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting the distribution of altered videos and audio of candidates within 60 days of election.

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting the distribution of altered videos and audio of candidates within 60 days of election. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the bill, AB 730, is specifically meant to target deepfakes, or manipulated videos that replicate real individual’s image, speech and movement. Video creators would not face criminal penalties, but candidates can sue them for damages. The law is set to expire in 2023. Do you think the new law will help fight online political deception? Share your analysis and concerns with Larry Mantle by calling 866-893-5722.

Guests:

Erwin Chemerinsky, dean and professor of law at UC Berkeley, who focuses on federal courts, constitutional law and appellate litigation; founding dean of the School of Law at UC Irvine

Matt Scherer, legal scholar and attorney with Littler Mendelson P.C. in Oregon; member of the firm’s Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Automation industry group