SAG-AFTRA Commends California Gov. Newsom for Signing ‘Deepfakes’ Bill

SAG-AFTRA commends California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing California Assembly Bill 602, which provides meaningful recourse for victims — many of whom are SAG-AFTRA members — of nonconsensual digital sexually explicit videos, also known as “deepfakes.”   

“We are absolutely thrilled that Gov. Newsom stood by the victims, most of whom are women, of nonconsensual pornography by signing AB 602 into law. I want to thank the governor; the bill’s authors, Assemblymember Marc Berman and Sen. Connie Leyva; and all the California lawmakers who unanimously voted for this legislation. AB 602 is a victory for all Californians. Deepfake technology can be weaponized against any person. Every person deserves the basic human right to live free from image-based sexual abuse,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris.  

Powerful deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to realistically superimpose individuals into sexually explicit material. AB 602 is the first law of its kind to provide victims of deepfake pornography civil remedies, including statutory damages and preliminary injunctive relief. This forward-thinking law will protect Californians, including SAG-AFTRA members, for decades to come. AB 602 requires creators to obtain meaningful, upfront consent from people before digitally depicting them in a sex or nude scene.

SAG-AFTRA commends California for this milestone, and will continue to urge lawmakers in Congress to amend Section 230 of the Federal Communications Decency Act so victims are further empowered to fight online sexual harassment.  

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.