California bans 'deep fakes' video, audio close to elections
California bans 'deep fakes' video, audio close to elections
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is trying to stop people
from deceptively editing videos and audio in ways that are aimed at influencing
elections.
Legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday bans the
distribution of manipulated videos and pictures that maliciously aim to give
someone a false impression about a political candidate's actions or words
within 60 days of an election.
It was written in response to a rise in the use of "deep
fake" technology that can make it appear as if someone is saying something
or acting in a way they are not.
Experts have raised concerns about such technology's possible
use in voter disinformation campaigns, but opponents of the law say the bill
threatens to trample on free speech rights and may not have its intended
effect.
Democratic Assemblyman Marc Berman introduced the bill after an
altered video that appeared to show U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slurring
her words circulated widely on the Internet.
"In the context of elections, the ability to attribute
speech or conduct to a candidate that is false - that never happened - makes
deepfake technology a powerful and dangerous new tool in the arsenal of those
who want to wage misinformation campaigns to confuse voters," Berman said
in a statement after Newsom signed the bill.
Rudy Giuliani, the president's personal lawyer, shared the
altered video of Pelosi on Twitter but later deleted it, the New York Times
reported. President Donald Trump did not share that video but did tweet a
separate video from Fox Business that spliced together examples of Pelosi
stumbling on her words.
The new law takes effect next year and sunsets in 2023. It does
not apply to videos that include a disclaimer saying they have been manipulated
or videos that are considered satire or parody. News outlets that are paid to
broadcast the material or are reporting on it as part of a news story would not
be subject to the 60-day provision.
It allows candidates to seek damages against the person or group
that distributes the video.
Newsom did not include a signing statement explaining his reason
for approving the bill.
The American Civil Liberties Union of California had urged him
to veto it.
"Despite the author's good intentions, this bill will not
solve the problem of deceptive political videos; it will only result in voter
confusion, malicious litigation, and repression of free speech," Kevin
Baker, the organization's legislative director, wrote in a letter to Newsom.
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