Overview California AI Governor Newsom Sep.Times

Key AI legislation signed by Governor Newsom in September 2024

• Combating election deepfakes: Governor Newsom signed three California AI bills in September 2024 to address AI-generated deceptive content in elections:

  • AB 2655: Requires large online platforms to remove or label deceptive AI-generated election content
  • AB 2839: Expands the timeframe for prohibiting deceptive AI-generated election content
  • AB 2355: Mandates clear disclosure of AI-altered content in political ads

• Preventing misuse of sexually explicit deepfakes:

  • SB 926: Makes it illegal to create and circulate sexually explicit deepfake images causing emotional distress
  • SB 981: Requires social media platforms to create mechanisms for reporting and temporarily blocking sexually explicit deepfakes
  • SB 942: Mandates disclosure of AI-generated content for easier identification

• Pending major AI regulation: The Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047) passed the state Legislature but awaits Governor Newsom's signature or veto by September 30, 2024

California's AI industry impact

• AI industry leadership: California AI legislation and Governor Newsom's actions in September 2024 affect 32 of the world's 50 leading AI companies based in the state
• Research and innovation: The state accounts for a quarter of the world's AI patents and conference papers
• Economic impact: AI technologies could have an economic impact in California of over $400 billion between now and 2030
• Job market impact: Between 1 to 11 million California jobs could be affected by AI technologies

Other notable AI initiatives

• GenAI summit: Governor Newsom convened a summit with leaders from technology, labor, government, and academia to discuss responsible AI use
• AI solutions for state challenges: California is inviting developers to create innovative GenAI solutions for issues like homelessness and housing

Upcoming AI legislation and effective dates

• AB 3048: Prohibits businesses from developing browsers without opt-out preference signals, with a January 1, 2026 operative date
• AB 1949: Amends CCPA to protect personal information of minors, awaiting final approval
• SB 1223: Expands CCPA's definition of sensitive personal information to include neural data
• AB 2930: Applies to certain employment decisions involving AI systems, enforcement narrowed to Civil Rights Department

FAQ

What AI legislation did Governor Newsom sign in California in September 2024?

Governor Newsom signed three AI regulation bills in September 2024, focusing on combating deepfakes and protecting against AI-generated deceptive content in elections. These bills include AB 2655, AB 2839, and AB 2355, which address the removal and labeling of deceptive AI-generated election content, expand the timeframe for prohibiting such content, and mandate clear disclosure of AI-altered content in political ads.

How is California addressing the issue of sexually explicit deepfakes?

California is addressing sexually explicit deepfakes through three bills: SB 926, which makes it illegal to create and circulate sexually explicit deepfake images causing emotional distress; SB 981, requiring social media platforms to create mechanisms for reporting and temporarily blocking such content; and SB 942, mandating disclosure of AI-generated content for easier identification.

What is the significance of California's AI legislation for the tech industry?

California's AI legislation is particularly significant because the state is home to 32 of the world's 50 leading AI companies. The state accounts for a quarter of the world's AI patents and conference papers, making it a global leader in AI innovation. These new laws and regulations will have a substantial impact on the AI industry both within California and globally.

What economic impact is AI expected to have in California?

AI technologies are projected to have an economic impact of over $400 billion in California between now and 2030. Additionally, between 1 to 11 million California jobs could be affected by AI technologies, highlighting the significant influence AI is expected to have on the state's economy and job market.

What other AI initiatives is California pursuing beyond legislation?

In addition to legislation, Governor Newsom convened a GenAI summit with leaders from technology, labor, government, and academia to discuss responsible AI use. California is also inviting developers to create innovative GenAI solutions for state challenges like homelessness and housing, demonstrating a proactive approach to leveraging AI for public benefit.