Governor Newsom's Role in AI Legislation
Governor Gavin Newsom, who has expressed concerns about overregulation, will play a crucial role in the future of these AI bills. He has until September 30 to sign, veto, or allow the proposals to become law without his signature.
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Newsom has already indicated support for a proposal targeting election-related deepfakes, highlighting his cautious approach to AI regulation.
Cracking Down on Deepfakes in Elections
One of the most significant proposals aims to curb deepfakes related to elections. Under this new law, social media platforms must remove deceptive content 120 days before and 60 days after Election Day.
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Campaigns will also be required to disclose any AI-generated materials used in advertisements. This legislation seeks to protect voters from manipulated content and uphold election integrity.
Protecting Minors from AI-Generated Abuse
California lawmakers are also addressing a gap in the law regarding AI-generated child sexual abuse images. New proposals would make it illegal to use AI to create such images or videos, even if no real person is depicted.
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This initiative aims to close a significant loophole and enhance protections against exploitation using advanced technologies.
Empowering the Public with AI Detection Tools
Another innovative measure requires tech companies and social media platforms to provide AI detection tools to users.
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These tools would help the public identify manipulated content, such as deepfakes, enhancing digital literacy and combating misinformation. By equipping users with these tools, California aims to foster a more informed and cautious online community.
Ensuring Transparency in AI Development
California is set to potentially become the first state to set comprehensive safety standards for large AI models. New legislation mandates that developers disclose the data used to train their models.
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This transparency initiative seeks to prevent future misuse of AI technology and mitigate potential risks associated with its rapid development.
Establishing Safety Protocols for AI Contracts
State agencies will be required to establish safety protocols before entering contracts involving AI models. These protocols aim to prevent risks and avoid algorithmic discrimination.
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By setting these guidelines, California is ensuring that AI deployment across government agencies remains safe, ethical, and non-discriminatory.
Protecting Workers from AI Replacement
Inspired by last year’s Hollywood actors’ strike, lawmakers approved legislation to protect workers from being replaced by AI-generated versions. This includes voice actors and audiobook narrators.
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The measure reflects concerns about AI’s impact on job security and mirrors language from recent contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and studios.
Restrictions on AI in Call Centers
Another proposal bans state and local agencies from using AI to replace human workers in call centers. This measure addresses growing concerns about job displacement as AI becomes more prevalent in customer service roles.
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Lawmakers hope to maintain human presence in roles where personal interaction is viewed as essential.
Digital Cloning of Deceased Individuals
In response to ethical concerns, a new law would penalize digitally cloning deceased individuals without consent from their estates.
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As AI becomes more advanced, there are rising fears about the misuse of a person’s likeness after death.
Enhancing AI Literacy in Education
Recognizing the importance of AI literacy, lawmakers passed bills to incorporate AI skills into school curricula. A state working group will explore integrating AI education into subjects like math, science, history, and social studies.
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This initiative aims to prepare students for a future where AI is eventually a fundamental part of daily life and work.
The Road Ahead for AI Legislation in California
As California takes the lead in AI regulation, other states and countries may look to its example. The balance between innovation and regulation will be critical in shaping the future of AI, though.
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With these new measures, California aims to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its potential harms, setting a precedent for responsible AI governance.
