SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California is trying to stop the use of deceptively edited videos and audio aimed at influencing elections.
Legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom targets “deep fakes.” That includes deceptively edited audio and video designed to give someone a false impression about a political candidate’s actions or words.
A state Democratic lawmaker introduced the legislation after President Donald Trump tweeted an altered video of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that appeared to show her slurring her words.
The bill bans the distribution of such content within 60 days of an election. The ban does not apply if the video includes a disclaimer or is satire or a parody.
It allows a candidate to seek damages against anyone who distributes such a video.
Opponents have raised free speech concerns.
