California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two new laws aimed at protecting children from the misuse of artificial intelligence tools used to create harmful and inappropriate images of minors.
These laws, signed on Sunday, are part of California’s efforts to regulate the growing use of AI, which is becoming more common in everyday life but has had little regulation.
The new laws close a legal loophole, making it illegal to create, possess, or distribute AI-generated child sexual abuse material, even if the images don’t depict real children. Under these laws, this offense is now considered a felony.
“Child sexual abuse material must be illegal to create, possess, and distribute in California, whether the images are AI generated or of actual children,” said Democratic Assemblymember Marc Berman, who helped write one of the bills. He stressed that AI used to create these images is often based on real abuse images, “revictimizing those children all over again.”
Earlier this month, Newsom also signed other laws aimed at preventing AI-generated “deepfake” content related to elections, making California a leader in regulating AI in the United States.
Governor Newsom has also approved laws to strengthen protections against “revenge porn” created with AI tools. Now, it is illegal for an adult to create or share AI-generated sexually explicit images of someone without their consent. Social media platforms must allow users to report and remove such images.
However, some officials, like Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, feel the laws don’t go far enough. Gascón pointed out that the new penalties only apply to adults and not to minors, saying, “There has to be consequences; you don’t get a free pass because you’re under 18.”
The laws come in response to a growing problem with deepfake technology, which allows people to create fake images or videos of others. The issue became especially concerning after incidents like a case in Beverly Hills where middle school students created fake nudes of their classmates.
Experts warn that AI-generated abusive materials are becoming more widespread as the technology becomes easier to use. Over the past two years, researchers have raised concerns about the explosion of AI-generated child sexual abuse content.
Governor Newsom emphasized California’s role in both regulating and using AI, noting that the state might soon use AI tools to help with tasks like reducing traffic congestion and giving tax advice. However, his administration is also considering new rules to prevent AI discrimination in hiring practices.
AP
