What happened
California has taken a bold step in regulating Generative AI (GenAI) with the signing of 17 new bills over the past 30 days, making it the most comprehensive legislative effort in the country.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a series of initiatives aimed at advancing safe and responsible GenAI technology while protecting Californians from potential risks.
The new laws address several key areas, such as combatting AI-generated misinformation, protecting children and workers, and requiring AI watermarking to prevent deepfakes. Some of the legislation targets the use of GenAI in healthcare and elections, requiring transparency and disclosures when AI is used in sensitive decisions or communications.
Additionally, the state will now assess potential threats GenAI poses to critical infrastructure, such as power and water systems, with new measures codified in SB 896.
Governor Newsom also signed new laws making it a crime to create and distribute AI-generated sexually explicit content without consent, responding to the growing threat of deepfakes used maliciously. Education is another key focus, with new legislation requiring schools to include AI literacy in their curricula, preparing students to navigate and understand this rapidly evolving technology.
Why it matters
California’s sweeping AI legislation sets a new standard for responsible GenAI regulation, encouraging other states to follow suit while ensuring that the technology is developed and used safely for the benefit of all.