Governor Newsom signs legislation to tackle AI misuse and protect digital privacy

Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Tackle AI Misuse and Protect Digital Privacy

Sacramento, California – September 19, 2024: In a significant step towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and safeguarding digital identity, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed three landmark bills into law. The measures, authored by state senators, are aimed at addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI and shielding individuals from the potential harms of digital content misuse.

The new laws underscore California’s commitment to responsible technology use and the protection of personal privacy in an age of rapidly advancing AI capabilities. Below are the key details of each bill:

SB 942: Provenance Disclosures for AI-Generated Content

Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) has pioneered SB 942, a bill designed to help the public more reliably identify AI-generated content. Under this legislation, widely-used generative AI systems are now mandated to include provenance disclosures in the content they generate. This means any text, image, or video produced by AI must clearly indicate its origin, helping users distinguish between human-generated and AI-generated material. This measure is intended to combat misinformation and ensure transparency in the digital ecosystem.

SB 926: Criminalising AI-Generated Sexual Deepfakes

Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward) has introduced SB 926, targeting the malicious creation and distribution of AI-generated sexually explicit deepfake content. The bill establishes a new crime, making it illegal to produce and spread sexually explicit images of a real person, when the intent is to cause serious emotional distress to that individual. This legislation is seen as a crucial step in protecting individuals from the violation of their digital identity and mental well-being through AI-induced defamation and exploitation.

SB 981: Mechanisms for Reporting and Removing Explicit Deepfakes

Dr. Aisha Wahab has also spearheaded SB 981, which addresses the issue of sexually explicit digital identity theft on social media platforms. The bill requires these platforms to create a mechanism for users to report sexually explicit deepfakes that portray them. Upon receiving a report, the platform must temporarily block access to the content while an investigation takes place. If the content is confirmed to be a deepfake, it must be permanently removed. This provision aims to provide swift recourse for victims of digital defamation, ensuring that such harmful content does not proliferate unchecked.

These legislative efforts mark a robust response to the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence and the misuse of digital content. By implementing these laws, California aims to set a precedent for responsible AI use and to provide stronger protections for individuals in the digital age.

Governor Newsom’s signing of these bills reflects a broader trend towards increased regulation of technology to protect privacy and public trust. The enforcement and effectiveness of these measures will be closely watched as other states and countries grapple with similar issues in the age of AI.

Source: Noah Wire Services