Two LADA-sponsored laws that protect Californians from sexually explicit deepfakes on social media and close state revenge porn AI loophole will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
September 25, 2024 – LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Tuesday 
the successful passage and signing of two trailblazing LADA-sponsored bills written to protect Californians from sexually explicit AI images on social media and to close the revenge porn AI loophole. Both pieces of legislation, SB 926 and SB 981, were signed into law on Sept. 19 by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
SB 926 and SB 981 were both authored by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley), who is the chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. SB 926 was coauthored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) and SB 981 was coauthored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) and Assembly Member Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa).
“As home to Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach, California is often at the forefront of technology and these new laws mark our state’s continued leadership in protecting victims of digital sexual assault. Together, we can ensure our online spaces are safe spaces,” said District Attorney Gascón. “We’re honored to work with Senator Aisha Wahab and her colleagues on these cutting-edge laws.”
LADA-sponsored bill SB 926 criminalizes the distribution of AI-generated sexually explicit images with the intent to cause serious emotional distress to the person depicted in the image. The bill empowers law enforcement to respond to digital harassment and exploitation by creating legal consequences for perpetrators. Read LADA’s SB 926 Sponsor Letter.
“This change in law was urgently needed to close a serious loophole in California revenge porn law, which meant victims had no recourse and law enforcement had no tools to combat the nonconsensual distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes,” said District Attorney Gascón. “Sexually explicit deepfakes, the vast majority of which target women, can cause lasting trauma and distress. LADA’s sponsorship of this law reflects our office’s commitment to fighting for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for the harm they cause.”
LADA-sponsored bill SB 981requires social media platforms to provide a reporting mechanism for individuals who are depicted in sexually explicit images and videos without their consent and remove sexually explicit deepfake content from their platforms. Read LADA’s SB 981 Sponsor Letter.
“Sexually explicit deepfakes are a growing threat to adults and teens on social media,” said District Attorney Gascón. “These images and videos can cause severe trauma, lost educational and job opportunities, and even lead to suicide. This new law empowers victims to take action and requires social media platforms to remove this deeply harmful content.”
SB 926 and SB 981 will both go into effect on January 1, 2025.
View more legislation that LADA has sponsored since DA Gascón has taken office:
https://da.lacounty.gov/policies/legislative-letters.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney
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