California Gov. Newsom signs bills to protect children from AI deepfake nudes

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills to protect minors from harmful sexual imagery created using AI tools. Supporters say current law doesn’t allow prosecution of those who possess or distribute AI-generated child sexual abuse images if they can’t prove they depict a real person. The new laws make this offense a felony. Newsom had previously signed legislation regulating AI-generated “deepfake” election content and requiring removal of “deceptive content” from social media, which is being challenged in court. The laws build on earlier legislation regulating campaign ads and communications. Newsom also signed bills to protect women and teen girls from revenge porn and harassment enabled by AI tools. He has positioned California as an early adopter and regulator of AI technology.