The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked concerns among California lawmakers about its use in political advertisements and college classrooms, prompting calls for tighter restrictions on the emerging technology.
The bill was authored by Democratic Assemblywomen Wendy Carrillo and Sabrina Cervantes. It passed in the Assembly in May without opposition and is now being heard in committee in the Senate.
“As this technology becomes cheaper, faster and easier for the public to use, and is embraced by candidates and political campaigns, its effect on democracy requires us to act,” Ms. Cabrillo told The Epoch Times June 28.
She said rapid improvements in AI technology have resulted in the creation of materials “that are likely to pass off as convincingly real, when they are fake.”
If the legislation reaches Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk and he signs it into law, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
“[Generative AI platforms] could enable existing advertisers to create a higher volume of false content and new advertisers to enter the market and run false ads,” the report said.
Recent amendments to the bill will limit its implementation to state campaign committees, Ms. Cabrillo said.
“This change sets a strong precedent of making Generative AI disclosures a part of our existing transparency requirements,” she stated.
A different bill dealing with the developing technology was introduced also by Ms. Cervantes in February.
The Faculty Association of Community Colleges has lent their support to the bill.
The bill has now been sent to Gov. Newsom’s desk where he has the option to sign it into law or veto it.
“While there is room for artificial intelligence to contribute to community college classrooms, human faculty remain best suited to teach our students,” Ms. Cervantes said in a press release June 13.
