Elections: deceptive media in advertisements

The law targets manipulated media that could influence voters or erode confidence in how elections are run. It takes effect immediately for the 2026 statewide general election.

What the law does ​

• Bans malicious, knowing distribution of digitally created or modified false audio or visual media portraying candidates, elected officials, election officials, voting sites, ballots, or voting equipment in material ways.
• Applies 30 days before an election for candidate and elected-official content, and from 30 days before through 38 days after an election for election-official and voting-process content.
• Allows a candidate’s self-depiction in manipulated media if it carries a prominent, specified disclosure in every language used.
• Sets disclosure rules for contrast, Arial font size, on-screen duration, and repeated spoken notices for audio.
• Bars removing required disclosures or knowingly republishing covered content without them.
• Allows depicted individuals, candidates, participating committees, and election officials to seek injunctions, damages, attorney’s fees, and costs, subject to clear and convincing evidence.
• Exempts clearly identified news coverage, certain broadcaster and publication activity, obvious satire or parody, properly labeled satire or parody, and interactive computer services.

Who it affects ​

• Candidates for federal, state, and local offices appearing on California ballots, including presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
• Campaign committees, advertisers, political communicators, and people or entities that distribute or republish manipulated election media.
• Election officials, broadcasters, news publications, and online services.

Context ​

The statute defines covered deceptive content as intentionally digitally created or modified audio or visual media that falsely appears authentic to a reasonable person.