California's New Deep Fake Law and AI Detection Technologies

On Thursday, Christian Fraser discussed the increasing threat of disinformation fueled by generative AI during the regular feature "AI Decoded." Governor Gavin Newsom signed a landmark bill in California prohibiting the creation and publication of deep fakes related to elections, making California the first state to implement such legislation. This comes amid rising concerns about how AI-generated misinformation is used by various global actors to manipulate public perception and elections. The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center in New York is actively monitoring threats from Russian, Iranian, and Chinese sources, especially as they attempt to influence U.S. political dynamics. Experts highlight the difficulty in distinguishing genuine content from deep fakes, prompting a call for innovative solutions, including AI technologies capable of identifying and explaining misinformation. Despite legislation, concerns remain about the global reach of tech regulation and the evolving nature of disinformation tactics. As AI continually advances, proactive measures and cross-industry collaborations are essential for enhancing the trustworthiness of online content while preparing citizens to better navigate this increasingly complex information landscape.