Bill > AB502

This bill addresses the issue of deceptive media in election advertisements, focusing specifically on deepfakes and artificially generated content that could mislead voters. The legislation amends existing election law to prohibit the distribution of materially deceptive media about candidates, election officials, and voting processes within 120 days before an election. Key provisions include requiring clear disclosures for manipulated media, specifying detailed requirements for how these disclosures must appear (such as font size, color, and placement), and allowing individuals depicted in false content to seek legal remedies. The bill defines "materially deceptive content" as digitally created or modified audio or visual media that would falsely appear authentic to a reasonable person, and it provides exceptions for content that is clearly understood as satire or parody. The legislation aims to protect the integrity of elections by preventing the spread of manipulative media that could harm a candidate's reputation or undermine voter confidence, while also acknowledging the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies that can create increasingly convincing fake content. Importantly, the bill applies to candidates for federal, state, and local offices, and includes specific provisions for how manipulated media must be labeled across different formats like video, print, and electronic media.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB502