United States of America: Adopted Defending Democracy from Deepfake Deception Act of 2024 (AB 2655)

On 28 August 2024, the Defending Democracy from Deepfake Deception Act of 2024 (AB 2655) was adopted. The Bill imposes obligations on large online platforms, defined as platforms with over 1 million California users, regarding certain deceptive content. For periods beginning 120 days before an election, platforms must, within 72 hours of reporting, take down materially deceptive content, including manipulated audio or visual media intended to create false impressions of a political candidate’s actions or statements, with the aim of deceiving voters or harming a candidate’s reputation. During other periods, large online platforms must implement procedures for labelling such materially deceptive content. Furthermore, the Bill grants enforcement powers to the Attorney General, district attorneys, and city attorneys, allowing them to take legal action to enforce the removal or labelling of deceptive content.