California Governor Signs AI Bills to Protect Actors' Digital Likeness and Target Deepfakes

Sep 17, 2024, 11:25 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two significant bills into law aimed at protecting actors and performers from unauthorized use of their digital likenesses by artificial intelligence. The legislation, celebrated by SAG-AFTRA at their Plaza, ensures that any digital replicas of an individual's voice or likeness cannot be used without their consent, extending protections to both living individuals and their estates. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate the evolving AI technology in the entertainment industry, addressing concerns over digital replicas and deepfakes. Additionally, Newsom signed three bills targeting the use of AI-generated deepfakes in political ads, including AB 2655, requiring social media platforms to remove or label such content, thereby safeguarding the integrity of elections.